"That is Paige Bueckers' problem now": Fever fans celebrate split between $226,668 forward and Caitlin Clark's team

Three weeks before the start of the 2025 WNBA season, fans are already defending their teams on social media. One fan mentioned Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith leaving Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, prompting several responses.

The fan said the 6-foot-4 forward will be Paige Bueckers' "problem" at Dallas. Smith is on the final season of her three-year, $226,668 contract she signed with Indiana in 2022, per Spotrac.

The tweet prompted several reactions from fans, with a couple agreeing with the tweet:

Another fan delivered a bold take, saying that Smith will have an "actual" point guard next season. Clark was the Fever's primary ballhandler last season.

The Fever drafted Smith as the second pick in 2022. She spent three seasons at Indiana before being traded to Dallas on Feb. 2. Smith will earn $91,981 next season and will be a restricted free agent in 2026.

Among the criticisms of Smith is her free-throw shooting. She is just a career 62.0% shooter but averaged a career-low 56.7% in 2024. She started 37 of the 40 Fever games last season but has a drop in her production. She put up career lows in points, rebounds, assists and 3-point shooting percentage.

Can Paige Bueckers, NaLyssa Smith and others help Dallas?

Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale has several new teammates in the upcoming season. Most notably, Paige Bueckers is on board, but Curt Miller, the Wings executive vice president and general manager, made other moves to acquire key players.

Aside from NaLyssa Smith, Dallas also acquired the services of 2024 Most Improved Player and defensive ace DiJonai Carrington, Ty Harris and Myisha Hines-Allen.

While the offseason moves may seem modest for the Wings, they built around the promising duo of Paige Bueckers and Ogunbowale, a four-time WNBA All-Star. They will lead the way in improving their nine-win 2024 season.

About the author

Kim is an editor for US Sports and an NBA and WNBA analyst at Sportskeeda with a decade of multi-industry experience. He has a bachelor's degree in finance and is currently a candidate for a master's degree in business administration.

Writing has been Kim's passion, and during college, he was editor-in-chief. He has also accumulated a diverse entrepreneurial background. He possesses a knack for research and was recently a professor.

Kim has been a Boston Celtics fan since 2007, through its many ups and downs. He was delighted when the Cs raised its 18th banner in 2024.

Beyond basketball, he also enjoys following the NFL, MLB and F1. When not immersed in the world of sports and when he is not editing or writing, Kim is likely searching for the perfect cup of joe.

Know More