2025 WNBA OFFSEASON GUIDE: INDIANA FEVER

[@DomainObject]

✨🙏🏽✨ You outlined a perfect offseason. Not only does that team compete for a chip next season… they win it all! 🏆

[@WNBAnow]

I can't wait to see what they have in store!

[@angelas4681]

Amber Cox coming from the Wings might help the Fever grease the wheel too. So exciting to see what moves we make next month. When speaking about losing Temi, Cox smirked and said there is a plan.

[@WNBAnow]

👀👀 SUPER excited to see what the plans are. I think they're in great shape for the future

[@KarmaIsaTSpodcast13]

Hi, I found this video and subscribed!! I’m excited to see your plans for the rest of the teams!!!

[@WNBAnow]

Thank you so much!! I'm working on Las Vegas as we speak!! I foresee a BIG offseason for a lot of teams!

[@randypetersen2623]

Great Commentary. Sounds wonderful.

[@jahgibbs3426]

So nice to land on a non AI video. Thanks. I hope they go this route or at least one like it.

[@WNBAnow]

Appreciate you! Got more coming!

[@dorothybianchi1149]

The question still is the bench. Need to cut Saxton and acquire a couple of bench people.

[@WNBAnow]

I'd agree with that. Need some nice rotational pieces that can steal minutes

[@ericMT]

I just didn’t see a lot of productivity with Wallace or Saxton. It was a huge mistake to cut Celeste Taylor, the Fever could have really used her this past season. But that’s one reason there is a whole new front office and coaching staff now.

[@patrickrojas8514]

Loved your analysis

[@WNBAnow]

Appreciate you!

[@pointsnplaces9421]

Would love to see Satou at the Fever. Interested to know your thoughts on her with the above roster but with (1) Kelsey Plum for flexible attack from the back court and more on ball screens and mid-range shots shared with CC and (2) a young player from college (Janiah Barker of UCLA) or overseas (Ajsa Sivka in the Italian Pro league) that could be mentored and provide longevity for the Fever dynasty.... Could they make this fit inside the cap next year?

[@WNBAnow]

The great news is that Indy has enough space to go A LOT of directions. Bad news, several contracts that would be hard to move. For players like Barker and Sivka, it wouldn't be an issue because the contracts would be so cheap, although foreign players rarely come over year 1, so it's unlikely you're getting to add day 1. I initially had Barker as the no4 prospect in my mock 1.0 but in 2.0 I've moved her out, only bc I now think she stays. As far as Plum goes, I do think she is on the move, so your instincts are like mine. I have her pegged somewhere else but hadn't really considered Indy, however. I think Indy looks more in the way of length with a chunk of the cash, but Plum would be about as splashy as you could get!

[@neilmcpherson8864]

@@WNBAnow Thanks for your thoughts and channel. Yeah, Plum will bring talent, experience and playoff success to any team. If Fever could make it fit (and I was GM lol), I would pitch it to her as becoming part of the next dynasty and with the guards already there they could rotate her more often (either through on court role or via bench) to protect her ankles while prolonging her career. Bring on January !

[@terrancehall9762]

They need another piece. Like get a Natasha Howard or Satou plus a couple of shooters like Bryanna Maxwell. Maybe a backup big to replace Fanbengle.

[@WNBAnow]

I like it. They'll need to add a backup pg, but I like the idea of another conventional big that can pull some important spot minutes against certain matchups

[@PaulRounds-l7c]

@@WNBAnow Grace can back up at the point.

[@Sevon-g4d]

Fever could legitimately win the chip next season with some luck, in terms of new players Satou yes Howard absolutely not. Sonia citron or Maddy westbeld from notre dame would be amazing for this squad short and long term imo.

[@richs6926]

@@WNBAnow Based upon Grace's performance stats for the Fever is 2022-2023 and her play overseas this summer, I think she would be a good backup to Caitlin. I'd rather see them draft Citron instead of trading for Howard, but it may be unlikely that Citron will still be available. That way, I would think they could keep Grace.

[@terrancehall9762]

@Sevon-g4d Howard and you can get Citron. With Satou you aren't getting Citron and Westfeld

[@MarkFaris-d9z]

Good analysis. However, a minor point. Two firsts, NaLyssa Smith and Grace Burger is a little steep. There is pressure on Dallas to make a fair trade and two firsts plus NS is fair, but, if it comes down to Grace or Satou I would let Grace go. So, now your proposed squad has no backup point guard. CC cannot play every minute. Now to the more important point. Natasha Howard will be 34 next season. Her level of play is already down from when she was young and she is not really a good shooter ( 20% from 3 last year). A high risk that she will be a bust. I would much rather see the Fever sign Janelle Salaun from Europe as a wing and either Monique Akoa-Makani ( also European) or Natasha Hiedeman as a backup PG. Unless of course you keep Grace Burger. Another option is another big like Brionna Jones. Satou could play the wing, Boston is already playing as a high post power forward on pick and roll and Jones could play the low post. Lexie Hull would become the best 6th Woman in the league and Satou moves to the power forward when Hull comes in.

[@WNBAnow]

Love your analysis! I don't see Bri Jones in this high-flying offense, though. They need players that run the court, and I put her in that conventional big half court role. I definitely agree they would need to sign Wheeler back or potentially kick the tires on a Kia Nurse type back up, but with the leftover money, I think they can absolutely swing it. I admit I'm giving Howard a bit of a pass last year as she was injured for a lot of time and playing in the lineup I constructed she will get very favorable matchups as well as far more room to work. Appreciate your commentary!

[@MarkFaris-d9z]

@ Thank you for your kind response. I agree that Jones is not a long term solution. I do believe she would be a big step up from Dantas or Saxon which are our only backup bigs. We need a younger Fagbenle but I don’t see any of those unless Salaun works out which may be a long shot. I don’t see Wheeler accepting a smaller contract to return and we really can’t pay her current salary.

[@marshallhetchler4830]

Satou 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 She is such a fit and she is just amazing.

[@WNBAnow]

AGREE!!

[@williamcarbergwc8279]

My view is Indiana should part5 ways with Katie Lou Samuelson. She had a subpar year on both offense and defense. Replace her with a player at least 6'4" who runs the floor and makes an impact on the defensive end.

[@WNBAnow]

I think they would love to do that I just don't think there is a market for her. I'm all but certain they left her unprotected for the expansion draft hoping GS would take her. Agree, they need players that can play at that fast tempo and get up and down the court

[@Ryyian]

I think the need to upgrade their frontcourt to avoid getting bullied by other team's. Fever needs to trade Naylissa Smith and replace her with either Nneka ogumike or Natasha Howard or why not Both... The also need a good Wing defender to alternate with Lexie Hull,it would be perfect if the could draft Sonia Citron at 8th position.

[@WNBAnow]

I like it!! I think Nneka is staying in Seattle, but more front court help would be a nice addition. I think Citron will definitely be the selection if she is there at 8

[@CJSHO]

Are you planning to include the Valkyries in this series? I know there’s not much to go on

[@WNBAnow]

100% - I've got some big plans for GSV!!

[@marlonandres1312]

I think its perfect

[@WNBAnow]

I think I like that!!

[@MargueriteFahey]

Love how you outline the dollars and show how they must "make sense". WNBA has an extremely low and hard salary cap. Makes the job of the GM REALLY hard. Your trade for Satou seems overly generous and if I'm Dallas, I jump on that trade ASAP. Trading two young players with promise (plus low salaries) and two number 1's (including one in the stacked 2027 draft) seems to me to be giving away the farm for a player who has proven she can't stay healthy. I say no to this deal even if you have Satou guaranteed to sign long term. As others have said, "who's backing up CC (and Mitchell)?". Wheeler isn't the answer if you want to win a championship (and she would have to agree to a HUGE pay cut). The roster you have assembled doesn't scream "2025 WNBA CHAMPIONS" to me. Worse still, the Fever will have mortgaged their future for this still flawed team (I see no real power forward who will kick a** and take names in addition to no backup guard).

[@WNBAnow]

Love the insights!! As far as the trading of two young players with promise is concerned 1- Smith is gone after this year regardless, so trading her is essential to get any return on initial investment and 2- Berger may be good in the future, but she also might be totally average. Speculating future talent is often time worth more than holding and developing. 3- Satou was First Team all WNBA in 2023. You're just not getting that anywhere else on the trade market so regardless of an injury last season, imo, the reward far outweighs the risk. If there is a scenario where Indy could get Satou for 25 firster + Smith + Berger, I promise they will do it in a heartbeat. The 27 firster is expensive, but if I have Caitlin Clark, I'm not trying to build through the draft, tbh. As I say in the video, they will have 150k plus wiggle room with unprotected contracts so signing one or two more players (backup pg) will not be a problem. Also, when I'm attempting to construct these teams, I'm doing my best to be as realistic as I can be in terms of needs vs potential vs probability. There still may be flaws within a constructed team, but that's true in reality, as well.

[@Biggdoom344]

Nice starting 5 plus hull off the bench. However no depth and Satu has had injury problems. Indiana needs to go 7-8 Deep to get past Minnesota. I’d like to see them keep Berger and move Wallace. They might be stuck with Samuelson due to the contract and maybe White can get more out of her. A player you didn’t mention is Wheeler who is actually the highest paid player on the team.

[@WNBAnow]

Yea, depth might be a concern deep in playoffs but I think if they can pull a some value from the FA market that should cure that. I didn't put Wallace in any deal simply bc I don't think she is moveable. Same can be said for KLS. Wheeler is UFA so I'd fully assume they will bring her back on a team-friendly as she seems to love the franchise (and I don't think there is a huge market for her outside of Indy)

[@Biggdoom344]

@ I totally forgot about Dantes who will be in better shape so that’s 7 players. However they had great luck with the fact Boston and CC played all 40 games. Indiana needs to construct a roster that allows for their stars to miss games. They need a stronger backup PG which is why I think they keep Berger or get one in FA. Izzy Harrison wants out of Chicago and could replace Temi. Another player I’d look at who can fill in for multiple positions and is a good defender would be bringing back Emily Engstler.

[@maddoxvacio7973]

Liberty fan the fever will be a good team this season let’s see if they could beat the sun

[@WNBAnow]

👀👀 I could see it if these teams shake out certain ways. Connecticut has a very interesting offseason ahead. Lots of unanswered questions.

[@maddoxvacio7973]

@ my liberty will go back to back heath always

[@AlanFort-z6u]

That sounds good and add Jessica Sheppard and draft either Maddy Westbeld or Jordan Hobbs or Aziaha James in second round and maybe Odessey Sims!!!

[@WNBAnow]

Love Shep!! Also, big James fan as well, but unlikely to be available second round. Sims certified bucket, too! Great picks!

[@jjleeisme]

I don't think The Fever will get Sabally. Instead Sabally will be cored by Dallas. They need a star veteran player like her to mentor Paige Beukers. I think they'll secretly hope that she and Paige can bond and also that the Fever will find another player to fill the forward position. Paige will be an excellent shooting guard, one of the best but I don't think of her as a point guard. If the wings are able to find a good point guard they will have thier core 3. I think that might be, or should be the Wings plan.

[@WNBAnow]

I actually agree. I think Dallas definitely wants Satou to stay and are certainly hoping Paige can help that effort!

[@patricklarson7564]

Eh, Natasha Howard does not excite me that much as an acquisition to be honest, based on watching a lot of Wings games last year. I would much rather see if they can get Janelle Salaun from overseas in Italy to sign with them.

[@Ryyian]

Natasha Howard would made them better defensively but also give them frontcourt depth and an enforcer the fever desperately need. I like Janelle Salaun also , she's young and better defensively than Naylissa Smith. Nneka is also a good vet , Indiana could look at

[@WNBAnow]

I'm giving her a pass for last year. Injured and a wasted season in Dallas. She couldn't wait to get out. Helps the defensive end and won't get in the way of anything Indy wants to do. As a 5th option, I just don't think they could find a better option

[@MrDallasblk]

​​​@@WNBAnow For the record N. Howard was not in a rush to leave Dallas as you say...she left because her plans are to try and sign with the Sparks because her wife does all of her business there and she was tired of commuting between Dallas & LA.

[@bryantwalley]

@5:30 there was no way the Valkyrie were going to poison their team with Smith. They made the arrangement alright and built that team the right way.

[@BobbyLaird-z1y]

Well they will trade Natasha Smith for satoou sabally and get rid of grace berger and have more money to get the players they need. My list is Caitlin Clark,satoou sabally, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie hull, Aaliyah Boston, damiris dantas,katie lou Samuelson,eric wheeler,kristy wallace, Victoria Saxton then get 2 new players from the draft. My opinion.

[@WNBAnow]

Fair! Who do you like in the draft?

[@Michael-of6zf]

No 2027 draft pick is for Hannah Stuelke. Who is going to be Catlin Clark backup? they need someone who can control traffic for at least 2 minutes each qtr. They only way i am dealing 1st draft picks is to get a player that I know will sign for a few years not just one. And they need a biggie. Their biggest problem last year was they were too small. How is Boston supposed to defend players that are 6 ft 7 and up. I would also look into Diana Taurasso and Briteeny Griner, they are both near retirement, and they both can give the rooks veterans advice.

[@WNBAnow]

I think Erica Wheeler will definitely be willing to resign and there will be several back-up caliber pg's in the FA market, as well. Sabally is 6'4 and Howard is 6'2 but plays super long with those rangey arms so they'll definitely be adding length in this scenario. Not sure if DT or BG are going anywhere, but a back-up big also might be in the cards this offseason!

[@Mrrickyboy41]

I thought bringing in someone else who is cored does NOT affect the team even though they already have a cored player. It's just that you cannot core TWO players who are already on your team.

[@WNBAnow]

It's my understanding that Sabally would agree to a sign and trade in this scenario

[@richardgearhart1286]

During the Gretsky years for the L.A. Kings hockey team, they had a player named Marty McSorley who was a bruiser. When an opposing player would high stick or body slam Gretsky into the boards, McSorley would come in and pound on that offending player, which caused him to go to the penalty box. But teams got the message: do not physically abuse the face of the league as well as league MVP many times over. The fever need to get a bruiser, and when a player blatantly fouls CC, the enforcer can return the abuse-- several times during the game. That is how you protect CC. Get a bigger bully. Let's see those players who knocked CC down get floored and curled up on the floor in pain-- their career potentially put on hold from being injured, as happened to CC multiple times last year. That'll be the last time CC gets a cheap shot hit by that player. The message will be understood throughout the league's many bigger players who are bullies. That's how you clean up the WNBA. It worked in hockey for Gretsky-- nobody dared touch him. And professional hockey understood you don't injure the face of the league. CC fills seats in away game arenas. You don't bite the hand that contributes to every teams welfare.

[@WNBAnow]

I definitely agree they could use some more toughness and attitude. AB has a little spicy side, but they could definitely use some more physicality, indeed. MM was the ultimate enforcer back in the day!

[@countingsheep2218]

1. Caitlin 2. Kelsey 3. Natasha 4. Satou 5. Aliyah 6. Lexie 7. Isabelle Harrison 8.Erica 9.Dantis 10. Katie Lou

[@WNBAnow]

Need one more, but that looks like a VERY formidable sqaud!!

[@fingerpickingood1900]

Nah...keep grace get satou but they won't have to give up that 1st round. Unload Katie lou. Pick sedona prince with their pick. She can run and is 6'7". Can shoot outside. She can releive Boston and satou.

[@WNBAnow]

I actually don't think Prince at 8 is a bad call (Have her 9 in my upcoming mock) They're never going to be able to unload KLS and that 1yr remaining tho

[@virgilius7036]

The Fever's defensive problem that cost them the playoff defeat needs to be resolved.

[@WNBAnow]

Totally fair point. I do think a change in team scheme should help, but agree they will definitely need to be far more stingy on that end

[@nr14989]

They need a center that can run as well to play with or backup of AB

[@WNBAnow]

100%

[@giizodamulla7492]

Even if they want to sign Howard( which Im against), There's no way they pay her that much.She isn't that caliber of player anymore

[@WNBAnow]

If they could get her under the max, that would be great, imo. With the new CBA on the way after next season, I think we're going to see a lot of 1-year 200k deals going around. The reason I had Indy max her is simply bc I think someone will, most probably a team like Golden State (the need to spend money somewhere)

[@Obilisk18]

I really dislike Nalyssa Smith as a Fever player but I think it'd be frankly bonkers to give up that much for Sabally. Nalyssa Smith has played for 3 seasons to Sabally's 5 and yet she's played in 6 more games. Because Sabally's has had 1 injury free season. And while Nalyssa is really bad for Fever basketball, her numbers have been fine, even good on the offensive end. Her FG% has improved every year. Her 2024 ppg went down very simply because she went from being the 2nd option, on the offensive end, to the 4th and sometimes even 5th. All that to say the Fever should not accept that Nalyssa's value is the value she has to them but rather some combo of that and the value she'd have in a different system. Which is quite a fair bit of value. I'd give Nalyssa and a 1st rounder and a future 2nd rounder for Sabally. But I wouldn't throw in Grace and I wouldn't give up another 1st rounder. Dallas in particular could stand to have some cap breathing room (with Arike and McGowan eating up 450+) and the 150+k differential between Satou, for them (they'd have to core and supermax her), and Nalyssa, is a huge benefit in and of itself. If the Fever can't sell them on that fact, without adding a young combo guard who is the obvious solution to the "rest Caitlin without everything falling apart problem", plus the farm, they should look to shop Nalyssa elsewhere. If we're giving up that much, I'm expecting a Nneka as the solution at the 4. I agree on Howard.

[@Obilisk18]

Also, what exactly are the Dallas Wings doing with Berger in this scenario anyway? They're getting Paige Bueckers and already have Arike Ogunbowale (who played approximately every minute last year and even on a deep team is going to command 33+ per game), and Jacy Sheldon (who's a bit younger than Berger and had a fine rookie year with significant playing time). If the goal is to put Berger on a team where she'd play less than she played on the 2024 Fever, mission accomplished. They'd have more use for Saxton, if anything, despite her being less talented. A Satou-less Wings would probably have 25-30 minutes to split between the 3 (Siegrist) and the 4 (Nalyssa).

[@WNBAnow]

Fair analysis. I actually agree that Smith's value has been a bit tarnished by the fact so many want her out of Indy. I think, offensively at least, she can definitely be an asset. The reason I think the price tag goes up from Dallas is because they hold all the leverage, imo. Satou has never been cored and if they don't get what they consider to be an excellent deal for a 2023 1st teamer, they can simply say, we will try again next year. Worst case for them they have a starting 5 of Paige, Arike, MS, Satou and TM. Honestly, that's a pretty nice starting 5 so trading her for less might seem like a bad business decision, even if it's not.

[@WNBAnow]

Well, first of all, Arike isn't a PG and she certainly needs the ball in her hands less. Second, Sheldon had a nice rookie campaign, but by no means is a solidified lock for first off the bench, imo. Having Berger, regardless of how you rank them, is acquiring another asset that more than just one team is interested in. She has 2 more years on her current deal, at a reasonable price, which is attractive from a strictly business side of ball. Also, Berger played 9mpg in Indy last season with a better backcourt in front of her, so I could easily use the exact same argument for Indy's "need" for her. Saxton's contract is not protected and I'll actually be pretty surprised if she is on the opening day roster.

[@Obilisk18]

@@WNBAnow I think Clark and Mitchell is better than Bueckers and Arike- but only just and there are plenty who'd disagree. As far as the Fever's need for Berger goes- she just gets all of Wheeler's minutes + the 2-3 extra Caitlin should have been sitting. It's pretty simple. Sides and the Fever had a sunk cost fallacy problem. It was the same problem that led to Katie Lou getting way too many minutes. They thought, "we're paying Wheeler 220k so we can't just not play her". Even though by every objective metric, Berger's rookie campaign indicated she could, at a minimum, replicate Wheeler's production without the lack of versatility Wheeler's small size gave rotations. They literally had rotations last season where Clark was standing in the corner, playing the wing, because with Wheeler and Mitchell on the floor that was legitimately the least stupid option. Well, Wheeler's contract is off the books. Hopefully they offer her a front office or coaching job because she's a good presence. But Berger can do everything she can do and a at least a few things she can't.

[@Obilisk18]

@@WNBAnow Yeah, I mean, look- I think that starting 5 is better than the starting 5 with Nalyssa. But if you add Satou and Paige, you've got like 280k left and 3 empty roster spots. If you swamp Nalyssa for Satou you've got ~440k for those 3 spots. Not crazy to think you can make up the difference in production with one big signing, whereas in the Satou scenario you're basically left with signing all your draft picks and picking up someone for the minimum as your best case scenario. Admittedly, the same thing could be said of The Fever- that they can use the extra cap space keeping Nalyssa gives them to improve their production elsewhere. The difference, I think, is we know Nalyssa is not a good fit for Caitlin Clark style system. Could be a different story in a Paige style offense.

[@serenbac]

this whole team serves so much face omg

[@michaelnordman4334]

I get what is being drawn up here. The only draw back is when I see Grace Berger being traded to the Wings in the Sabaly package I'm screaming NOOOOOOO at the top of my lungs. What a lot to give up in this package. The hometown girl for one. And more so I believe Berger is one of the most under rated players in the league. I have zero hesitation in saying Sides had no clue the capabilities of Berger. Don't know what her deal was. Don't care. Berger was horrifically misused last season. Only playing in like half a dozen games was a simple atrocity. A ball handler. A floor general in her own right. Those things being said I can absolutely understand why another team would be interested in her over a useless Kristi Wallace. Would love to see Wallace go. But obviously in what world does any team have any interest in Wallace? The answer is none. All this is why I can see this being exactly the kind of deal that takes place. Again, that being said, I truly hope they find a way to keep Berger. I hope they protected her because a real coach can see what they have in her.

[@WNBAnow]

I totally agree that Sides misused/flat out mismanaged her role badly. I also have no doubt she *could be a very good player, but I do think management will be willing to risk that if push comes to shove. Very intrigued to see what's cooking when free agency opens

[@Obilisk18]

Yeah, I mean, the fact that WNBAnow (rightly) notes you can't move Wallace, but you can move Berger, even though they're basically being paid the same money, and yet Wallace started 15 games last season on the wing, despite being smaller than Berger- well, that says it all. Totally nuts decision-making from Sides. I really think it comes down to Sides having some stupid equation in her head like, "we want 3s from our 3 and 3s from our guards. Grace historically shoots more 2s. Therefore she should never play", without considering if, A.) Grace could shoot 3s, if asked (she was a 47% shooter there in her rookie year, on decent volume), and B.) The other so-called 3 point shooters they played instead (Wallace, Katie Lou, Wheeler) were proving to be any good at shooting 3s (they weren't). Just total coaching malpractice.

[@michaelnordman4334]

@@WNBAnow Oh me as well. I am dying to see how they get this done. We all know they have something up that sleeve. What it is though is so intriguing.

[@AsoOrad]

lmao…giving up 2 future first round picks, and 2 previous first rounders still under 25-ish for what might be nothing more than a one year rental of a player who still has fishy injury history, is madness and borderline irresponsible. No competent org is doing that and putting all their eggs in one Sabally basket.

[@jimbones155]

The best laid plans.....

[@WNBAnow]

Indeed!!!

[@balaku4211]

Til you get poked in the eye!

[@howardscott8724]

WHAT YOU SUGGEST IS FABULOUIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@WNBAnow]

Let's GOOOOO!

[@johndickson435]

That is way to much to give up even though I love Sabally. I will be pissed off if they trade Grace Berger

[@WNBAnow]

I hear ya, but I think it would be the move. Berger has upside, no doubt, but honestly, how much run do you think she is getting next year? 15 mins? That's just not worth not getting Satou, if possible

[@zealazax6287]

Saxton and Dantas needs to go. Saxton hasn't developed yet and dantas can't run.

[@WNBAnow]

I thought DD would be the expansion draft pick, but it was reported they protected her. There's no doubt they would use her in a potential trade. I think Saxton probably does go. I think they will want to use her 66k towards a draft pick or a FA pick up

[@Biggdoom344]

Dantas was out of shape but is good for 7-10 minutes a game. I don’t see her leaving

[@johndickson435]

Smith, Berger and TWO first round picks are you nuts ? There is NO WAY Sabally is worth that much. She could leave at the end of the year and then where would the Fever be with 2 # 1 draft picks gone.

[@WNBAnow]

Obviously Indy would have to get assurances that Satou wanted to play with Caitlin for the long haul. Smith will leave after next season for nothing and trading non-lotto picks is much less risky than people are making it, particularly when you're trading for 26 year old 6'4 wing that was a 1st Team All-W performer in 2023

[@SUNEJE2009]

nooooooooo way with this team. need to buy more

[@WNBAnow]

Fair! The good news is that Indy has a ton of money to spend. Bad news most will be on 1-year deals and this isn't, what I would consider, the best of free agent classes, particularly when you factor in several of the best will be resigning or core'd

[@sammerrill1205]

Kelsey Plum needs to be in the plans

[@WNBAnow]

Interesting... I'm going to have her on the move in the Vegas video. Hadn't really considered Indy

[@sammerrill1205]

@ I heard in other videos she really likes what Indy is going to do I think we could do a sign and trade with Vegas too if sign her straight up

[@DomainObject]

Kelsey Plum? No thanks. Too much duplication in the backcourt with Mitchell and Clark.

[@grb024]

Amber Cox mentioned the importance of “fit”. She was speaking of culturally fitting. Kelsey Plum is not a fit culturally with the Fever. She just isn’t. Good player, but not Fever material.

[@Biggdoom344]

I think plum is in the mix only if Mitchell simply doesn’t want to be with the fever anymore.

[@NguyenArielTonnu]

Horrendous ideas. Gm would be fired to pay that much for satou who is hurt all the time. Howard's wife HATE cc...do your hw. Geez.

[@WNBAnow]

Satou was a first team All W player in 2023. Injuries are sadly part of sports, but she was back to her balling ways by the end of last year. I promise you she is a max player in the league. I am curious to hear your thoughts of what would make Indy a real contender though!

[@henrymarkson3758]

Smith can play, she could become a weapon if her mentality is straightened out. I would not trade her.

[@WNBAnow]

Interesting! Yea, I definitely think she's got plenty of gas in the tank as well. It just has seemed that she isn't long for Indy. New coach could change that, I suppose

[@michaeldean7623]

What is so great about Aliyah Boston? I watched every Fever game this year and I was not that impressed with her. She is a great person no doubt but what exactly does she do well on the court? She can't run the floor at all and for her size is not a great rebounder. She averaged 14 pts a game in college with her Senior year being her lowest. She couldn't even defend Caitlin Clark at the rim 2 years ago in the final 4. What really drives me crazy is how she always dribbles instead of taking it to the hoop. I think she lacks the quickness to do so. Napheesa is only 6'1 and is a superior post player than Boston. The Fever need a big that can run the floor and average 20+ ppg imo.

[@lizhricik]

I totally agree. She is a very nice person but a subpar post player. She slow and it seems she morphing into a subpar forward player…confusing.

[@WNBAnow]

Her season definitely started slow, but she was one of the few players on the squad last year who is a very effective defender. Her post game started to really come along in the second half of last season, also, and I think you'll see more PnR game with CC this year, especially if they can get some nice other pieces to round out this roster. I think AB will be a solid 16/10 and 2 block this year

[@Biggdoom344]

ABs issues were more her role changed and Sides not using her correctly. I expect White will use her more like Thomas in Connecticut.

[@jmikew1]

What happened to Wheeler? Cut her?

[@WNBAnow]

She's an UFA. I think she is back on a team-friendly deal. Definitely see her coming back and backing up CC 8-12 per night

[@PaulRounds-l7c]

The only way they are getting Sabally is if Mitchell doesn't want to stay past the her core year and they do a three team trade (Washington is a good option) You don't trade away first round picks for a player that is only going to sign a one year deal, and Grace need to stay and back the point. If mitchell wants to stay - Sigh Salaün, and Charles. Trade Smith to either move up for Malonga or for a defensive minded 2/3, or 4, whatever you don't get in the 1st round.

[@WNBAnow]

Why don't you trade away first round picks? The number of 8th overall selections, or worse, that turn out to be ALL W- caliber players, which Satou is, is extremely low. Not saying it's impossible, of course, just that if you can flip an unknown commodity for known asset, imo, that's well worth it. Also, the Fever FO would clearly have communications with Sabally on if she was looking to stay with the team in the future. If she didn't want to commit, it would obviously change the calculus, so that I agree with you. As far as Grace is concerned, the idea that Indy needs her is just simply not true. That's not me saying she won't ever turn out into a nice role/bench player, but there will be plenty of options for CC backup, which will probably only average 8-10 a night anyway (GB with 9mpg last season) Also, the idea of them being able to trade up for DM is pretty much fantasy, imo. They have no assets a team like GS would ever be interesting in dealing for, when they could draft the French center and are in no rush to be good, whereas Indy wants to compete asap

[@PaulRounds-l7c]

@@WNBAnow Because in a salary cap league, you need to have contributions from players on rookie deals. If Mitchell doesn't want to commit long term you can build a winner by trading (three team) for Sabally. If Mitchell wants to stay, you can build a winner - Gabby Williams, Tina Charles and Janelle Salaün, plus whatever you can get for trading Smith. (I think going after french players is a good angle because the french players and Clark have a common bond, they have an axe to grind with the WNBA establishment) You can pursue either of these winning options without trading away two first round picks, and you can go after Sabally in 2026 when she can't be cored.

[@cattywampusmcdoogle]

Two 1st rounders for a 1 year contract is dumb...

[@WNBAnow]

It might be dumb, but I think that will be the price. The caveat to the deal, is, of course, Satou wants to play in Indy longterm. This isn't a deal you make if she wants to be in LA or NY

[@cattywampusmcdoogle]

@WNBAnow it's not a deal you make... we all learned what happens when you trade multiple 1st-round picks when Hershal Walker got traded...

[@SUNEJE2009]

They need to get better players. Defense is really badddddddddddddd

[@WNBAnow]

They do need defense, I agree there. I think a different team concept will also help, tbh

[@johndickson435]

LMFAO they have to have someone who can get up and down the court to help defend, HMMMM sounds like she is talking about Fagbemle

[@WNBAnow]

That was actually pretty funny tbh Was a bit of noodle-scratcher for sure, but, maybe they have something up their sleeve

[@Franz-f8w]

Clark,Boston,hull,Mitchell and Paige or satou

[@WNBAnow]

Paige would be crazy but don't think there is any world where that happens. The lineup of CC, AB, KM, LH and SS is definitely possible tho, imo