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Aces Add Veteran Forwards Turner, Talbot in Free Agency
Aces re-sign NaLyssa Smith, lose Kiah Stokes to Golden State Valkyries
Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:36am
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The Aces' retooled frontcourt will be a key factor as they aim to defend their WNBA championship titles.Las Vegas TodayThe Las Vegas Aces have added veteran forwards Brianna Turner and Stephanie Talbot in free agency, while also re-signing NaLyssa Smith. However, the team lost center Kiah Stokes, who signed with the expansion Golden State Valkyries.
Why it matters
The Aces are looking to build on their back-to-back WNBA championships by adding experienced frontcourt players in Turner and Talbot. The loss of Stokes, a key part of their title runs, will require the team to adjust their rotation, with Smith taking on an expanded role.
The details
Turner, a former Notre Dame standout, averaged 4.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game over her seven WNBA seasons, while shooting 57.5% from the field. Talbot, an Australian Olympian, holds career averages of 4.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 42.3% shooting from the field and 35% from deep. The Aces also re-signed forward NaLyssa Smith, who replaced Stokes in the starting lineup last season.
- The Aces made these roster moves during the 2026 WNBA free agency period.
The players
Brianna Turner
A veteran forward who has played for the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky over her seven-year WNBA career.
Stephanie Talbot
An Australian Olympian entering her eighth WNBA season, having played for the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks and Golden State Valkyries.
NaLyssa Smith
A forward who the Aces re-signed after she replaced Kiah Stokes in the starting lineup last season.
Kiah Stokes
A center who spent the last four seasons with the Aces, starting during their back-to-back championship runs, before signing with the expansion Golden State Valkyries.
What they’re saying
“Adding another veteran presence to our frontcourt will be very beneficial for our roster this year. Brianna is an exceptional defender, rebounder and an even better teammate to have by your side, and we can't wait to welcome her to Las Vegas.”
— Nikki Fargas, Aces President
“Steph is a versatile wing who can guard multiple positions while shooting from beyond the arc at an elite level. She has had a stellar career in the WNBA, in Australia's WNBL and as an Olympian, and will add depth to our Aces roster.”
— Nikki Fargas, Aces President
What’s next
The Aces will look to integrate Turner and Talbot into their rotation as they aim to defend their WNBA championship titles.
The takeaway
The Aces have reloaded their frontcourt with the additions of Turner and Talbot, but will need to adjust after losing the defensive presence of Kiah Stokes. The team's ability to blend their new and returning pieces will be crucial as they seek a third straight WNBA championship.
