NaLyssa Smith released by Chinese side as rumors about Caitlin Clark teammate swirl

NaLyssa Smith released by Chinese side as rumors about Caitlin Clark teammate swirl

NaLyssa Smith, who plays alongside Caitlin Clark for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, has been released by Chinese side Zhejiang Golden Bulls amid rumors she could join Unrivaled

NaLyssa Smith #1 of the Indiana Fever drives against Natasha Howard #6 of the Dallas Wings
NaLyssa Smith has been let go by Zhejiang Golden Bulls

Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith has been let go by Zhejiang Golden Bulls, sparking speculation that she might be on her way to Unrivaled. The 24 year old, who is rumoured to be on the trading block at the Fever, was released by the Chinese team.

In a statement, they said: “After friendly negotiations between both parties, our club has amicably broken up with American player Nalyssa Smith. The club will continue to search for suitable foreign players.”

This news has led to chatter that Smith, who plays alongside Caitlin Clark at WNBA’s Fever, could join Unrivaled, the new 3v3 basketball league set to kick off later this month in Miami. One user on X commented: “She wants to go to Miami. Best she asked out,” while another added: “come homeeee young buck dont look back.”

A third chimed in: “NaLyssa Smith, you ARE Unrivaled.”

And a fourth posted: “@IndianaFever your move.However, it now appears as though the reason for her release were due to injury. Smith’s brother, Rodney, wrote on X: ” However, it seems that injury may have been the reason for her release, reports the Mirror US.

Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) sustains an injury and assisted off the court by Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) during a WNBA game between Los Angeles Sparks and Connecticut Sun on June 18, 2024, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT

Cameron Brink tore her ACL on a drive on June 18 (Image: Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Smith’s brother, Rodney, posted on X: “Not yall thinking they really dropped my sister off the squad, please calm down.”

This prompted a response from a follower on social media who wrote: “She wants to go to Miami. No injury, right? “.

He then updated fans, saying: “Her ankle.”

He further elaborated in another message: “Her track record with that ankle hasn’t been the best so.”

In addition, he reassured followers by commenting: “No, thankfully,” when asked if the injury was serious. At present, there seems to be no vacancy for Smith in Unrivaled, as all roster spots are taken.

However, this may change following news that Cameron Brink will miss the inaugural Unrivaled season due to her ongoing rehabilitation from an ACL tear she suffered back in June. Stay tuned to X for top-notch and up-to-the-minute sports updates.

“I’m not able to do a ton,” Brink admitted to journalists. “I’m just really appreciative that I’m able to be here and that my teammates are super accepting of me and cheering me on from the sidelines. I haven’t been able to do a ton, but (I’m doing) more and more every day.”

Brink, who inked a two-year contract with the Lunar Owls of Unrivaled at 23 years old, expressed: “It means a lot to be here and that the Unrivaled team and people want me here to see what’s going on for next year.”

“It’s a great opportunity. (Unrivaled) invited me, so I said why not take advantage of being around the best players [and] have great teammates. I hope to get stronger and advance in my recovery process.”