The Indiana Fever, fresh off a transformative 2024 season and an aggressive 2025 offseason, have quickly ascended into the conversation as a legitimate contender. With a core of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, and strategic free agency acquisitions, their priorities for future offseasons will revolve around optimizing their roster for a deep playoff run and ultimately, a championship.
The Fever’s 2025 offseason was incredibly active. They successfully re-signed star guard Kelsey Mitchell (who they cored), ensuring the “Big 3” of Clark, Boston, and Mitchell remains intact. Beyond that, they made significant moves to address their frontcourt and defensive needs, signing two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner (from Connecticut Sun) and former Defensive Player of the Year Natasha Howard (from Dallas Wings). They also acquired Sophie Cunningham from Phoenix as part of a multi-team trade that sent NaLyssa Smith to Dallas. These additions have drastically improved their depth, defense, and veteran leadership, areas that were identified as weaknesses in 2024.
Given these significant moves, the Indiana Fever’s focus for future offseasons, including 2026 and beyond, will likely be about fine-tuning, maintaining flexibility, and addressing any new emergent needs.
The Fever’s current starting lineup projects to be:
- PG: Caitlin Clark
- SG: Kelsey Mitchell
- SF: Lexie Hull / Sophie Cunningham (likely a split or situational starter)
- PF: Natasha Howard
- C: Aliyah Boston
They’ve also added considerable depth with DeWanna Bonner, Brianna Turner, and Sydney Colson. The roster is much stronger, longer, and more versatile defensively.
However, the “Sabally sweepstakes” reference points to a prior interest the Fever had in acquiring Satou Sabally, an athletic and dynamic small forward. While the Mercury ultimately landed her, this highlights the Fever’s ongoing need for a high-level wing.
If the Fever are looking to sign “another past winner” to complement their current group, or address new needs that might arise (like if Bonner or Howard, both on shorter-term deals, move on), here are some types of players and specific names to consider for future offseasons:
1. Elite Two-Way Wing/Forward (If a gap opens up at the “3” or “4”):
While they acquired Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner, both of whom can play the forward spots, having an elite, versatile wing who can guard multiple positions and shoot consistently remains a premium asset in the WNBA. The Fever’s historical weakness has been at the small forward position, and while Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham bring valuable skills, a true star at the 3 would elevate them further.
- Why it’s a need: To diversify scoring, add consistent 3-point shooting, and provide another high-level defender who can switch across positions, particularly against top-tier offensive wings in the league.
- Kahleah Copper (Forward – Phoenix Mercury): Currently with the Mercury and a key part of their new “super team” alongside Thomas and Sabally. However, if circumstances change in future years, Copper is a proven WNBA champion (2021) and Finals MVP, known for her relentless attacking, defensive tenacity, and improved shooting. She’s exactly the kind of “past winner” who fits the Fever’s desire for toughness and winning pedigree. Her contract situation will dictate if she ever becomes available.
- Ariel Atkins (Guard/Forward – Washington Mystics): A defensive stalwart and a past champion (2019). While primarily a guard, she can defend bigger wings. If the Mystics were to undergo a significant rebuild in future years and Atkins became available, her defensive prowess and clutch shooting would be an incredible fit for the Fever. She doesn’t have the offensive firepower of a Sabally or Copper, but her defensive impact is elite.
- Diamond DeShields (Guard/Forward – Connecticut Sun): A past WNBA champion (2021) with the Chicago Sky, DeShields is known for her athleticism, explosive scoring, and improved defense. If she can stay healthy and maintain consistency, her offensive creativity and ability to get to the rim would be a valuable asset. She signed with Connecticut in 2025, but future free agency could see her on the move again.
2. Versatile Big Who Can Stretch the Floor (If depth at PF/C becomes an issue):
While Aliyah Boston is the franchise center and Natasha Howard provides excellent power forward play, having a versatile big who can shoot from distance and isn’t solely reliant on post-ups adds another dimension to the offense, particularly for a team with Caitlin Clark’s passing vision.
- Why it’s a need: To space the floor for Clark’s drives and Boston’s post-ups, offer a counter to traditional bigs, and provide insurance if injuries or departures affect the frontcourt.
- Kristine Anigwe (Center/Forward – Currently overseas/free agent history): While not a “past winner” in terms of a WNBA championship, Anigwe brings energy, rebounding, and can offer a different look in the frontcourt. She’s a high-motor player who could provide solid minutes off the bench. (Note: her WNBA availability and recent form would need to be thoroughly evaluated).
- Isabelle Harrison (Forward/Center – Chicago Sky): An experienced big who provides solid rebounding and interior scoring. If she were to become available, she could offer valuable depth.
3. Experienced Playmaking Guard/Backup Point Guard (Even with Clark, a strong backup is crucial):
While Sydney Colson was signed in 2025 to provide backup point guard duties, and Aari McDonald joined on an emergency hardship, the Fever still need to ensure they have consistent playmaking and control when Clark rests. A player who can run the offense efficiently, minimize turnovers, and hit open shots is crucial.
- Why it’s a need: To maintain offensive flow, provide a steady hand, and allow Clark to play off-ball more frequently when she’s on the court with the backup.
- Potential Targets (if available in future free agency cycles):
- Tiffany Hayes (Guard – Golden State Valkyries): A past WNBA Champion (2023) and a consistent scoring guard. She signed with Golden State as an expansion veteran, but if the Valkyries struggle long-term, Hayes could seek a move to a contender. Her ability to create her own shot and defend would be valuable.
- Kia Nurse (Guard – Chicago Sky): A tough, defensive-minded guard who can shoot the three. She’s a WNBA champion (2022) with the Aces (though she tore her ACL in 2021). She signed with the Sky in 2025. Her defensive intensity and proven playoff experience would be a good fit for the Fever.
4. 3-and-D Wing (Always valuable):
You can never have enough players who can knock down open threes and play solid perimeter defense, especially around a passer like Caitlin Clark. This type of player fits perfectly into modern WNBA schemes.
- Why it’s a need: To maximize spacing for Clark and Boston, and to bolster perimeter defense against elite opposing guards and wings.
- Victoria Vivians (Guard/Forward – Seattle Storm): A tough, physical 3-and-D player who could provide valuable minutes off the bench. She has a strong work ethic and understands team basketball.
- Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (Forward – New York Liberty): A premier 3-and-D player and an All-Star. While unlikely to leave the Liberty, if the situation changed dramatically, she’s the ideal type of player for this role, though not a past champion herself, she’s played on a top contender.
- Cap Space Management: The Fever have made significant signings in 2025. Managing their salary cap effectively in subsequent offseasons will be crucial, especially with a new CBA potentially on the horizon that could raise player salaries. They’ll need to decide who to retain from their current veteran additions.
- Draft vs. Free Agency: While the Fever made splashes in 2025 free agency, they also need to continue leveraging the draft to acquire young talent on cost-controlled contracts, especially given their lack of a first-round pick in 2025.
- Player Fit and Chemistry: Head Coach Stephanie White has emphasized building a cohesive unit around Clark and Boston. Any new signings must align with the team’s up-tempo, free-flowing offensive style and commitment to defense.
- Long-Term Vision: With their young stars locked in, the Fever’s management needs to identify players who can contribute immediately but also have the potential to grow with the core for the next several years, beyond just one-year rentals.
In conclusion, the Indiana Fever have made incredible strides in their 2025 offseason, transforming from a rebuilding team to a serious contender. While they initially targeted Satou Sabally, they successfully pivoted to sign DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, significantly strengthening their frontcourt. Going forward, if the opportunity arises to add another “past winner” or an elite talent, the Fever should prioritize versatile wings and forwards who can contribute on both ends of the floor, or potentially a high-level playmaking guard for depth. The goal remains clear: to build a championship roster around Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, and every offseason move will be geared towards achieving that ultimate prize.
