Paige Bueckers, NaLyssa Smith's Golden State Valkyries Comment Has Fever Fans Outraged

Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith has been at the center of much controversy for her team this season.

Throughout this week, Smith's relationship with DiJonai Carrington (who is a proud Caitlin Clark hater) has been turning the heads of Fever fans.

On Saturday, a recent controversy surfaced which has fans wondering whether Smith is already ready to exit Indiana in favor of a new franchise.

Friday evening, Smith posted a photo of her in and around a purple vehicle on her Instagram.

One of the top comments was UConn star Paige Bueckers, writing three fire emojis.

And in a since-deleted comment Smith responded to what Bueckers said with, "purple look good on us."

NaLyssa Smith's June 14 Instagram. Instagram/@nalyssasmith

Fans are assuming this is a reference to the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's next franchise which will start playing games in 2025 and who have that same shade of purple as their main color.

Because Bueckers is expected to be the 2024 WNBA Draft's first pick (which will go to the Valkyries), fans are taking this to be Smith saying she'd like to play with Bueckers on that team.

And Fever fans aren't happy about it.

"YEAH GET HER PUNK ASS OFF MY TEAM," one fan wrote.

"NaLyssa wants to run the paint for Paige and the Lady Valkries," said another.

Things are getting messy for the fever.

Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith (1) reacts after scoring a 3-point basket during the first half of an WNBA basketball game against the Connecticut Sun, Monday, May 20, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK