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.
The Fever were swept in Round 1 of the WNBA Playoffs
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.
Nneka Ogwumike: Seattle Storm, Forward
Nneka Ogwumike could join the Fever as one of the league’s most versatile players
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
Gabby Williams is efficient and could play alongside Clark
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
Kia Nurse could replace Kelsey Mitchell in free agency
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
Odyssey Sims is a veteran that knows what it takes to win
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.
