The WNBA Trade of Sophie Cunningham to the Fever and NaLyssa Smith to the Mercury: A Deeper Look
In a significant move during the 2025 WNBA offseason, Sophie Cunningham, a gritty and versatile guard for the Phoenix Mercury, was traded to the Indiana Fever, while the Fever’s promising forward, NaLyssa Smith, made her way to the Mercury. This trade is not just about player movement—it’s a symbol of how the league is evolving, and a reflection of the strategic decisions teams are making to build their futures. 
The Background of Sophie Cunningham and NaLyssa Smith
Before diving into the impact of the trade, it’s important to understand the profiles of these two players. Both Cunningham and Smith were key contributors to their respective teams, though they brought different skill sets to the floor.
Sophie Cunningham was known for her tenacity, shooting ability, and leadership. Standing at 6’1″, Cunningham is often referred to as one of the scrappiest players in the league. While her primary role with the Mercury was as a shooting guard, she often played a point guard role in small-ball lineups. Her offensive consistency, particularly from beyond the arc, made her a potent weapon, while her defensive intensity was a valuable asset for Phoenix.
However, the Mercury found themselves in a rebuilding phase, transitioning from their glory years to focusing on developing young talent. Sophie, whose contract was expiring, became a target for teams looking to add a veteran presence and shooting ability. The Fever, in need of more scoring and leadership, made the move to acquire her.
On the other hand, NaLyssa Smith was drafted by the Fever in 2022 with the second overall pick, and she quickly became the centerpiece of their rebuild. A dynamic forward with elite rebounding ability, Smith’s high-energy playstyle and defensive versatility made her an immediate impact player. Her strengths in the post, her ability to stretch the floor, and her defensive prowess were crucial to Indiana’s long-term strategy.
However, with Indiana still developing its team, a player like Smith, while valuable, might not have fit into their immediate plans for success. As the Fever eyed a new direction in their roster construction, moving Smith to Phoenix was a way for them to bring in more immediate veteran experience, which would complement their young core and help build around players like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.
The Strategic Implications for the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury, as one of the WNBA’s most storied franchises, had been in a state of flux after the retirement of Diana Taurasi and the looming exit of other veteran players. Their roster, once built to compete for championships, had shifted toward a more youth-focused approach. In this context, the trade of NaLyssa Smith to Phoenix offers a unique dynamic.
Smith’s addition to the Mercury’s roster is an exciting one. With her ability to stretch the floor and provide a physical presence in the paint, Smith brings an element that Phoenix needed: balance. After struggling to find consistent bigs, especially after the departure of Brittney Griner in 2023 (who was ultimately traded to the Los Angeles Sparks), the Mercury were in need of a forward who could contribute both offensively and defensively.
While Smith’s shooting may not yet be at the level of some of the league’s other top forwards, her athleticism and relentless motor provide a different dimension for Phoenix. Her rebounding is especially valuable, giving the team an edge in an area where they had previously struggled. Additionally, her playmaking ability as a forward allows for a more diverse offensive set, which can help with spacing on the floor and creating opportunities for other players.
However, integrating Smith into the Mercury’s system won’t be without its challenges. The transition from a rebuilding team to a more competitive one can be jarring for a player, but Smith’s work ethic and competitive nature suggest she’s more than capable of adjusting. It will also require coaching staff to find the right balance between giving Smith the space to grow while maintaining competitive pressure.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this trade for Phoenix is the potential chemistry between Smith and Sophie Cunningham. While Cunningham’s offensive game is heavily based on perimeter shooting, Smith’s role as a slasher and a post player creates an interesting synergy. With Cunningham being a reliable three-point shooter and Smith’s ability to finish inside, this combination could give Phoenix the versatile offense they’ve been searching for.
Additionally, Cunningham’s leadership qualities will be crucial in helping Smith acclimate to her new environment. Cunningham’s experience and vocal presence on the court will not only help stabilize the Mercury, but also provide mentorship to a young talent like Smith, who has the potential to be a franchise player in the near future.
The Impact on the Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever’s decision to trade NaLyssa Smith to the Phoenix Mercury signals a shift in their approach to rebuilding. The Fever have long been known for having a promising collection of young talent, and now, by acquiring Sophie Cunningham, they have brought in a player who can help guide that talent forward.
Cunningham’s veteran presence is precisely what a young team like the Fever needs. While Smith was certainly one of their most promising players, bringing in Cunningham, a player with deep WNBA experience and a high basketball IQ, is a calculated move. Cunningham is not only a consistent shooter, but she also provides valuable perimeter defense and can be a leader in the locker room. Her ability to play multiple positions on offense gives head coach Christie Sides a versatile weapon to work with.
The Fever, still in the process of retooling, have been looking to build a more competitive roster around their young stars like Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Victoria Vivians. While Smith was a central part of their future, moving her allowed them to secure a veteran player in Cunningham who can contribute immediately while continuing to help the Fever’s younger players develop.
For Indiana, this trade is part of a broader strategic focus on balance. The Fever have solidified their frontcourt with the addition of Boston, who has the potential to be a future MVP candidate. With Mitchell and Vivians providing the backcourt scoring, the team now needed someone to bring experience and steadiness. Cunningham’s presence gives Indiana that extra layer of stability, one that’s necessary when building a team full of young talent.
Moreover, Cunningham’s ability to come off screens, her high basketball IQ, and her off-the-ball movement will complement Indiana’s fast-paced offensive style. Cunningham should find plenty of open looks with the attention Boston and Mitchell will draw, allowing her to operate as a deadly floor spacer.
The trade also opens up a new avenue for Indiana’s developmental players. With Cunningham on the roster, the team can experiment more with lineups and rotations, creating a stronger foundation to build a more well-rounded roster.
Broader Impact on the WNBA Landscape
The trade of Cunningham and Smith holds significant weight beyond just the two teams involved. The WNBA is a league that continues to grow in stature, and trades like these are indicative of a larger trend: teams are making more calculated, thoughtful moves to build toward long-term success.
From a league-wide perspective, this trade further illustrates the increasing shift toward developing young talent while also balancing it with veteran leadership. Teams are now more focused than ever on creating chemistry between their star players and role players, seeking to cultivate sustainable success instead of relying on a single star to carry them.
Additionally, the trade could be seen as a response to the growing talent pool in the WNBA. Teams like the Mercury and Fever are beginning to recognize that their paths to success might not come from immediately chasing a championship but from laying the groundwork for a well-rounded, dynamic roster.
The Phoenix Mercury’s decision to invest in NaLyssa Smith reflects a clear vision for the future of the franchise. Similarly, the Fever’s focus on bringing in experienced veterans like Sophie Cunningham signals their commitment to building a strong foundation for the next few seasons.
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