NaLyssa Smith has publicly said farewell to the Indiana Fever. Deleted tweets, changed Instagram bios, and cryptic comments from teammates— the signs are everywhere. Something’s up with NaLyssa Smith and the Indiana Fever. But what’s really going on behind the scenes? And more importantly, what does it mean for the team’s future?

It all started with a tweet. NaLyssa Smith hit send, then quickly deleted it, but not before eagle-eyed fans caught a glimpse of her frustration. What could have pushed her to that breaking point? Teammate D.J. Carrington seemed to weigh in immediately, tweeting out “Free” as if to echo Smith’s discontent.

Meanwhile, superstar Caitlin Clark is lighting up the scoreboard. She shattered 62 records in her freshman year, averaging an incredible 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, leading the league in assists and three-pointers. With talent like Clark on board, the Fever should be on cloud nine, right? Wrong. Despite Clark’s heroics, something is holding this team back. Whispers of locker room drama are getting louder, tensions are rising, and it’s clear not everyone is on the same page.

But the real story? It’s happening behind closed doors, and it’s about to change everything.

Turmoil Behind the Scenes

The D.J. Carrington and NaLyssa Smith situation has made everything messy when it comes to discourse about the Fever. As the dust settles on a tumultuous season, one question looms large: what happened to NaLyssa Smith?

The numbers tell a story of decline. Just two years ago, Smith was a rising star, a prospect for the Indiana Fever, a building block for a struggling franchise. In 2023, Smith averaged an impressive 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, forming a formidable frontcourt with Aaliyah Boston. But in 2024, it’s like watching a different player. Her averages plummeted to just 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game—a nosedive that left fans and analysts scratching their heads.

It wasn’t just her stats that suffered. Smith’s playing time took a significant hit too, dropping from 28.5 minutes per game in 2023 to just 24.8 minutes in 2024. And in the last 10 games of the season, that number fell even further to around 20 minutes. Something clearly wasn’t right.

Playoff Drama and Locker Room Tensions

Then came the playoffs against the Connecticut Sun, a series that could have been a turning point for the Fever but instead became a flashpoint of controversy. Smith was right in the middle of it. The infamous eye-poke incident involving Caitlin Clark sent shockwaves through the league. But it wasn’t just about the physical impact on Clark; it also brought Smith’s relationship with Carrington into the spotlight. What seemed like a personal matter suddenly became a very public issue, raising questions about team dynamics and loyalty.

During crucial moments of the must-win game, Smith was notably absent, benched by the coach. It spoke volumes about her standing within the team. The tension was palpable in the locker room, where players who should have been focused on winning were now navigating personal and professional conflicts. At the center of it all was NaLyssa Smith.

The incident affected not just Smith but the entire team, including their new superstar, Caitlin Clark. While Clark was breaking records and putting up stellar performances, the Fever couldn’t reach their full potential. The numbers don’t lie—when Smith was on the court, the team’s net rating was 9.0, but when she was off, it jumped to 6.7. Smith had become a clear liability.

The Aftermath: A Social Media Meltdown

After the playoff elimination, Smith took to social media to express her disbelief at how her third year had unfolded. “I could have never imagined my third year to go like this LOL but I know there’s a lesson in every loss,” she wrote. It was a moment of vulnerability that hinted at her internal struggles.

But that wasn’t all. Smith’s social media activity has been a rollercoaster, offering a glimpse into her state of mind. Her Instagram bio, once proudly displaying “@IndianaFever,” now simply reads “@WNBA.” Fans immediately noticed the subtle shift, speculating wildly about what it could mean for her future with the team.

Meanwhile, Smith’s teammates haven’t been silent either. Cryptic comments have surfaced, hinting at potential roster changes. Although no one is naming names, the atmosphere of uncertainty is palpable. It feels like the entire team is holding its breath, waiting for the next big shakeup.

The Bigger Picture: Smith’s Future with the Fever

The writing on the wall seems clear: a disappointing season, dwindling playing time, conflicts of interest, social media hints, and growing fan discontent all point to a potential departure for Smith. But this potential move isn’t just about one player; it’s about the future of the franchise.

With rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Aaliyah Boston on the roster, every decision the Fever make will be magnified. The team is on the verge of something special, and they can’t afford to have any weak links.

NaLyssa Smith, once considered a cornerstone for the Fever, is now a liability in the eyes of many fans. “NaLyssa Smith is a liability and has got to go,” one fan declared, echoing a sentiment that’s growing louder by the day. The Fever have a generational talent in Caitlin Clark, and they need to surround her with players who complement her game.

A Crossroads for the Fever

The Indiana Fever find themselves at a pivotal moment. Trading Smith could be the shakeup the team desperately needs. It’s a bold move, but one that could pay off, allowing the Fever to build a roster around Clark’s strengths. Imagine a lineup with shooters like Lexie Hull, rim-runners like Kelsey Mitchell, and a dominant center in Aaliyah Boston—all working in harmony with Clark.

The Fever are at a crossroads. With the right moves, they could transform from a team on the rise to a legitimate championship contender. The decision to trade Smith might just be the key to unlocking their full potential.