NaLyssa Smith released as Caitlin Clark teammate fuels rumors of huge new move

NaLyssa Smith, who plays alongside Caitlin Clark for the Indiana Fever, has been released by Chinese side Zhejiang Golden Bulls, fuelling rumors of a huge new move

Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith has been released by Zhejiang Golden Bulls, fuelling rumors she could be about to join Unrivaled.

The 24-year-old, who it has been rumoured could be traded by the Fever, has been released by the Chinese side, who wrote in a statement: “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.”

The news of the release has prompted discussion that Smith, who is Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Fever teammate, could join Unrivaled, the new 3v3 basketball league which is set to begin later this month in Miami. “She wants to go to Miami. Best she asked out,” wrote one user on X.

A second added: “come homeeee young buck dont look back.” A third said: “NaLyssa Smith, you ARE Unrivaled.” And a fourth said: “@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: “Not yall thinking they really dropped my sister off the squad, please calm down.” That prompted a reply from one follower on social media who wrote: “She wants to go to Miami. No injury, right?”

He then provided an update, replying: “Her ankle.” He also said in another post: “Her track record with that ankle hasn’t been the best so.” And he added: “No, thankfully” in response to a comment asking if the injury was a severe one.

There also appears to be no room right now for Smith in Unrivaled either with all the roster spots filled up. However, that could be set to change after it emerged Cameron Brink will not appear in the inaugural Unrivaled season, as she continues to rehab after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), back in June.

“I’m not able to do a ton,” Brink told reporters. “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 signed a two-year deal with Unrivaled’s Lunar Owls, with the 23-year-old stating: “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.”