"She was mad when Erica Wheeler locked DiJonai out" - WNBA fans react to NaLyssa Smith removing Fever from IG bio

WNBA fans were surprised when NaLyssa Smith, starting forward for the Indiana Fever, removed the team's tag from her Instagram bio. The 2024 season came to an end for Indiana on Wednesday after the Connecticut Sun swept them 2-0 in the first round of the postseason.

Fans noticed that Smith deleted the Fever's tag from her Instagram page, only leaving the WNBA's. It didn't take long for speculation to arrive, as many linked this to a potential move away from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Some fans mentioned her relationship with DiJonai Carrington as a reason for a possible Smith move away.

"I know she was mad when Erica Wheeler locked DiJonai out," one fan said.

"Unless she plays with her girlfriend, she will be a liability to any team. Who wants that?" one fan asked.

"She totally disappeared in the series on purpose because she didn’t wanna defeat her girlfriend who completely has her controlled. Super pathetic. We just want winners on the fever. Let’s just go with that. Goodbye," another fan said.

Others questioned her commitment to the team, said she was replaceable and speculated whether Smith was the player Sheryl Swoopes was referring to when she said some on the roster wanted to leave.

"Is this maybe who Swoopes was referring to when she said some players wanted to leave?" one fan added.

"She's finished with the Fever and showed her true colors," one fan said.

NaLyssa Smith has been on the Indiana Fever since 2022 after being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in that year's draft. She averages 13.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in 103 games played with the Fever, shooting 45.8% from the field and 62.0% from the free-throw line.

DiJonai Carrington calls for Indiana Fever to 'free' NaLyssa Smith

DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith starred in multiple situations that raised eyebrows around the WNBA. The most recent happened right after the Sun completed the sweep over the Fever, as they posed together for a picture. Carrington took to social media to send a message apparently to the Indiana Fever, asking for Smith to be 'free.'

"10 toes down for you❤️🤞🏽 #FreeHer," she tweeted Wednesday night.

Before this game took place, Smith had sent Carrington a bouquet of red roses, with the Sun guard/forward expressing her gratitude on Instagram.

"Thank you sweet girl. I love you @nalyssasmith"

Not every fan was appreciative of the gestures between Smith and Carrington, criticizing both players on social media. It's unclear if NaLyssa Smith will request a trade or join the Golden State Valkyries via the draft, but the offseason is just starting and there is potential for significant changes.