Nalyssa Smith OFFICIALLY Signs In China… Is her Time With The Fever DONE… | HO

Nalyssa Smith, the 6’4″ forward who has shown considerable promise in her young WNBA career, has officially signed to play in China for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA). This move is part of a growing trend where WNBA players seek higher-paying opportunities abroad during the offseason, particularly in leagues such as those in China and Europe. Smith’s decision to head to China for the 2023–2024 offseason raises questions about her future in the WNBA, especially with her current team, the Indiana Fever.

Smith’s decision to sign with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls comes as no surprise, given the financial disparity between overseas leagues and the WNBA. Reports have indicated that the WCBA has been offering lucrative deals to attract talent, with contracts sometimes reaching seven figures. For context, Liz Cambage, another high-profile WNBA player, reportedly earned $1 million for just three months of play in China. While exact numbers of Smith’s contract haven’t been disclosed, it’s safe to assume that her earnings far exceed what she would make in the WNBA, where the maximum salary is currently $234,936 under a supermax deal.

This pay gap is significant, particularly for younger players like Smith who are still working their way up in the WNBA. The allure of financial security is a powerful motivator, especially considering that WNBA salaries have long been a point of contention. Many players, including legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, have openly discussed how they play in the WNBA “for pride” while making the bulk of their income in international leagues. Smith’s decision reflects this reality and ensures she continues to earn well while honing her skills abroad.

Smith’s move to the Chinese league is a chance for her to be a star. In Indiana, she struggled to maintain a leading role, particularly after the Fever selected A’ja Wilson and other high-profile players. Smith’s natural abilities as a post player and rebounder have never been in doubt. She averaged 15.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in her sophomore WNBA season, showing her potential to be an impact player. However, her style of play—a physical, back-to-the-basket approach—wasn’t always a perfect fit for the Fever’s evolving offensive schemes.

In China, Smith will likely be the focal point of her team’s offense. The WCBA is not as competitive as the WNBA, but it still boasts strong talent and a passionate fanbase. By joining the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, she’ll have an opportunity to be the go-to player in a league that has seen the likes of Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Cambage dominate in recent years. This could help Smith regain confidence, allowing her to refine aspects of her game like shot selection, decision-making, and leadership.

Playing in China will also keep Smith in game shape, which is crucial for her return to the WNBA next season. The WCBA season is relatively short, lasting only about three months, which means Smith will have time to rest and recover before the WNBA season begins in the spring. By the time she returns to the U.S., Smith could be poised for a breakout year—either in Indiana or elsewhere.

Smith’s decision to play overseas during the offseason does not necessarily mean her time with the Indiana Fever is over, but it does add to the speculation. As the Fever continue to rebuild, the team has invested heavily in other players, including superstar A’ja Wilson and upcoming draft prospects like Caitlin Clark. This has left Smith in a bit of a limbo, as her role with the team has diminished. While she started the 2023 season strong, her minutes and usage dropped as the year went on, leaving many to wonder if she fits into Indiana’s long-term plans.

Smith’s skill set is undeniable—she’s a strong rebounder, a physical presence in the paint, and a player who can create her own shot. However, the Fever’s system under new head coach Christie Sides has leaned more towards a fast-paced, perimeter-oriented game, which doesn’t always play to Smith’s strengths. With younger stars emerging and the team looking to make a playoff push, it’s possible that Smith could be traded or see her role reduced even further.

One scenario that’s been floated is the possibility of Indiana moving Smith in exchange for other pieces. Some have speculated that a team like the Las Vegas Aces, known for their interest in versatile bigs, could be a landing spot for Smith. The Fever could potentially look to package her with another player like Christy Wallace in exchange for a shooter or a more mobile forward that better fits their system. The arrival of players like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston has only increased the competition for minutes in Indiana, making it harder to envision Smith maintaining a starting role next season.

Historically, WNBA players who go overseas often return with an improved game and a better sense of their own abilities. Playing as the top option on a team, as Smith will likely do in China, allows players to experiment with different aspects of their game that might not be possible when they’re a second or third option in the WNBA. Additionally, the financial benefits of playing abroad allow players to return to the WNBA without the same financial pressures, which can lead to a more relaxed and confident performance.

Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi have both spoken about how playing overseas allowed them to extend their careers and improve their games, as they could focus more on development without worrying about their financial futures. Smith’s time in China could have a similar effect, giving her the confidence and skills to come back to the WNBA as a more complete player.

While it’s too early to say definitively whether Smith’s time with the Indiana Fever is over, her move to China does signal that she’s keeping her options open. With the WNBA’s financial structure still lagging behind other international leagues, it’s understandable that Smith would look for better-paying opportunities abroad. Whether or not she returns to Indiana, her stint in China could be a stepping stone to greater things, both financially and on the court.

Smith’s journey is far from over, and her next chapter—whether in Indiana, Las Vegas, or elsewhere—will be one to watch. For now, though, she’s focused on dominating the court in China, where she’ll undoubtedly be a star.