"New beginnings, let's do it": NaLyssa Smith hints at offseason plans with USA passport photo tease

NaLyssa Smith was a vital member of an Indiana Fever team that finished sixth (best since 2015) and reached the playoffs (first since 2016) in the 2024 WNBA season. But it remains to be seen whether the talented forward will stay put in Indianapolis.

After losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Connecticut Sun last month, Smith posted a lengthy post on X in which she discussed her future. Fans speculated that the 24-year-old may be interested in a move away from Indiana.

On Monday, Smith shared another message on her Instagram story, which touched on "new beginnings." The Texas native shared an image of her passport with the following message:

"New beginnings; lets do it"

NaLyssa Smith shares an image of her passport on social media. (Credits: IG / @nalyssasmith)

Following the defeat to the Sun, Smith removed "Indiana Fever" from her X and Instagram profile bios and switched it to "WNBA."

The recent post with the passport could mean that Smith is simply going on vacation.

Another possibility is that that talented player is on her way to play an international basketball league. In 2023, Smith signed with Istanbul club Galatasaray in the Turkish Women's Basketball Super League. She played 31 total games in the league and the EuroCup tournament.

Last season, Smith averaged 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and an assist in over 40 games.

Led by Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, the Indiana Fever is coming off a historic season and will be looking to retain the core of their roster that won 20 games in 2024. Smith is still on her rookie deal and remains under contract with the organization until 2025.

NaLyssa Smith saw a significant drop in playing time for the Fever this season

Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith shoots a 3-pointer during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Photo Credit: IMAGN

NaLyssa Smith was one of the top prospects in her draft class. The 6-foot-4 forward enjoyed tremendous success with Baylor University and was the second overall pick by Indiana Fever in the 2022 WNBA Draft.

Over the last few seasons, however, Smith has seen a drop in her playing time. In her rookie season, she averaged 30.7 minutes per game. Last season, that number was slightly lower, at 28.5 mpg. In 2024, she registered just 24.8 mpg despite starting 37 of the Fever's 40 regular-season games.

In the playoffs, Smith played just nine minutes in Game 1 of the series against the Connecticut Sun, and in Game 2 of the series, she came off the bench to record just four minutes of playing time on the court.