Former South Carolina Gamecock standout Tiffany Mitchell will be searching for her next opportunity in the WNBA after being waived by the Las Vegas Aces on Monday. The surprising move comes during a turbulent stretch for the defending champions, who are sitting at 8-8 midway through the season and struggling to find the rhythm that once made them one of the league’s most dominant forces.
Mitchell, known for her versatility, scoring ability, and veteran leadership, joined Las Vegas with hopes of contributing to another deep playoff run. Instead, her tenure with the team was cut short as the Aces made a flurry of roster adjustments in an effort to get back on track. The decision to release Mitchell was part of a bigger reshuffling that also saw Las Vegas pull off a significant trade earlier in the day.
The Aces acquired forward NaLyssa Smith from the Dallas Wings in exchange for a 2027 first-round draft pick. Smith, a former No. 2 overall pick and a proven inside presence, is expected to bolster Las Vegas’ frontcourt and bring a new dimension to their offensive and defensive schemes. While the trade was welcomed by fans eager for change, it also created a roster crunch.
With Smith’s arrival, Las Vegas found itself with 13 active players—one over the league limit. In addition, forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus remains on maternity leave but is expected to rejoin the team in the coming months, meaning the Aces needed to make space for her eventual return. Unfortunately for Mitchell, she was the odd player out in the numbers game.
Mitchell’s departure marks another chapter in what has been a winding WNBA career. After a stellar run at South Carolina under head coach Dawn Staley, where she earned multiple All-SEC honors and helped elevate the Gamecocks to national prominence, Mitchell was drafted ninth overall by the Indiana Fever in 2016. She spent six seasons with Indiana before playing for the Minnesota Lynx in 2023, eventually landing in Las Vegas for the 2025 season.
Known for her smooth mid-range jumper, aggressive drives to the basket, and defensive tenacity, Mitchell has carved out a reputation as a reliable two-way guard. While her minutes with the Aces were limited this season, her experience and skill set make her an appealing option for teams looking to add depth and leadership in the backcourt.
For Las Vegas, the move signals a sense of urgency. After back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, expectations were sky-high entering the season. But inconsistency on both ends of the court has left them stuck at a .500 record. Head coach Becky Hammon has made it clear that changes were necessary to reignite the team’s championship pursuit, and Monday’s roster shake-up was the first major step.
As for Mitchell, her journey is far from over. At 30 years old, she still has plenty of basketball left in her and will likely draw interest from teams in need of a proven veteran. Whether she lands with a playoff contender or a rebuilding squad, her competitive spirit and polished game ensure she will remain a valuable asset in the league.
For Gamecock fans, Mitchell’s career continues to serve as a point of pride, showcasing the lasting impact of South Carolina’s powerhouse women’s basketball program on the professional game. While her stint in Las Vegas has ended, the next chapter in her WNBA story is just waiting to be written.