\
After a first round WNBA Playoffs exit, the Indiana Fever aims to build around Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark in free agency with players like Nneka Ogwumike available to strengthen title chances
The Indiana Fever will look to build on Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie of the Year campaign next season during free agency in hopes of assembling a roster capable of advancing further than their first-round playoff exit this year. The Fever finished the season with a balanced 20-20 record and will need reinforcements to win a title.The Fever claimed third place in the Eastern Conference and made the playoffs, an achievement as they made their first postseason appearance since 2016. But after being swept by the Connecticut Sun in the first round, the Fever know they need to add pieces to help Clark steer the ship to victory.At the heart of the team’s future are two young superstars, Clark and Aliyah Boston, both former No. 1 picks. Clark, whose scoring and playmaking earned her Rookie of the Year honors, averaged 19.2 points per game, matching the production of veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell.Boston emerged as a dominant force in the paint, giving Indiana a dynamic inside-out presence. Beyond these core pieces, Indiana must address its complementary talent and players who could be in different jerseys next year.
Kelsey Mitchell has averaged at least 17 points per game since 2020 and was the second overall pick in the 2018 draft. Her three-year contract extension expires at the end of this season, making her an unrestricted free agent. In the media, she has expressed excitement about testing the free agency market, which raises questions about her future in Indiana.Despite being eligible for a max contract from the Fever, Mitchell may seek new opportunities elsewhere, potentially leaving the team needing a high-scoring replacement. Alongside Mitchell, Erica Wheeler is also entering free agency.
(
Image:
Getty)
Wheeler, a veteran guard who provided valuable leadership and backcourt stability, could leave a significant gap in the roster if she signs elsewhere. If Wheeler departs, the Fever could save over $200,000 in salary, providing them with financial flexibility heading into free agency.With key decisions to be made, the Fever must target players who can complement the blossoming duo of Clark and Boston. Their primary needs include a scoring guard capable of replacing Mitchell’s offensive production and perimeter defenders who can also stretch the floor with outside shooting.
Promoted Stories
Nneka Ogwumike: Seattle Storm, Forward
Age: 34
Points per game: 16.6
Rebounds per game: 7.6
Assists per game: 2.3
Ogwumike is one of the league’s most versatile, intelligent, and physically imposing players. Last season, she shot 40 percent from the 3-point line and can guard both the perimeter and the post.The 2016 league MVP has made three consecutive All-Star appearances, nine in her career. Ogwumike also praised Clark’s game during the season, saying, “You can’t deny her impact.”
Gabby Williams: Seattle Storm, Forward
(
Image:
Getty)
Age: 28
Points per game: 10.3
Rebounds per game: 4.0
Assists per game: 3.7
Williams returned to the WNBA after her performance with the French team during the 2024 Paris Olympics and proved that she not only deserved her place in the league but is also an effective scorer, scoring double-digit points in four of her last five games.After playing in the league for six seasons, Williams saw career highs in points per game, field goal efficiency, and minutes, proving to be effective when authorized to be a constant on the floor.Fresh off the back of her Olympics performance, Angel Reese publicly expressed her desire to play with Williams and bring her back to the Chicago Sky. Williams quickly ruled that out – but Clark could get the chance to play with her that Reese wanted.
Kia Nurse: Los Angeles Sparks, Guard
(
Image:
Getty)
Age: 28
Points per game: 7.6
Rebounds per game: 1.6
Assists per game: 1.3
Nurse is a career 32 percent three-point threat who can stretch the floor. She is coming off a 48 percent effective field goal percentage, the highest of her career. Her ball handling and playmaking abilities could allow for the Fever to continue having the ability to pair Clark with a guard where either could initiate the offense, as the other plays off the ball to get open for 3-point attempts.
Odyssey Sims: Los Angeles Sparks, Guard
(
Image:
Getty)
Sims also has scoring and playmaking abilities and is coming off a career-high 52 percent field goal percentage. The 11-year veteran has had eight stints with six different teams and will look to settle in with a team of the future in hopes of winning a title before an eventual retirement.
Age: 32
Points per game: 12.6
Rebounds per game: 2.1
Assists per game: 5.3
News
North West ROASTS Mom Kim Kardashian Over Her “Cooking” and Reveals Her Fake Name (TR)
In a delightful and revealing interview for the fall issue of Interview magazine, North West opened up about growing up in the spotlight alongside her famous mother,…
PHOTOS: Caitlin Clark Was Suspiciously Missing As Boyfriend Connor McCaffery Attended Wedding & Dropped An Interesting 4-Word Message (ch)
Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery (Photo via Instagram) Caitlin Clark was nowhere to be found as her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, attended a wedding. Last Friday, Iowa freshman…
PHOTO: Social Media Is Losing Their Minds After Travis Kelce’s Ex-GF Kayla Nicole & Angel Reese Teamed Up For Jaw-Dropping Pic Together (ch)
Kayla Nicole and Angel Reese (Photos via Getty Images) Angel Reese and Kayla Nicole have been going viral all day Thursday as they dove into spicy topics on Reese’s podcast,…
REECE TO THE TOP Angel Reese leaves little to the imagination in revealing outfit during a sultry night out following her feud with Caitlin Clark (PO)
ANGEL REESE went viral as she wowed a crowd in a tight purple jumpsuit and shrugged off her Caitlin Clark controversy. The WNBA rookie was on stage for Nick…
VIDEO: Caitlin Clark was speechless and somewhat upset after a reporter asked the most ridiculous question about her during the post-match press conference (PO)
Caitlin Clark has already become known for keeping great composure in stressful or weird situations. However, even Clark couldn’t keep her cool when this reporter asked this almost…
WNBA Legend Sheryl Swoopes Is Getting Blasted For Purposely Leaking Private Messages She Had With Caitlin Clark (PO)
Sheryl Swoopes continues to dig herself a bigger hole when it comes to Caitlin Clark. Uab @ Army West Point – NCAA Game Preview for October 12, 2024…
End of content
No more pages to load
Relative Articles
None found