Draft Lottery results could drastically impact the Fever’s offseason

The Indiana Fever have moved past waiting for the results of the WNBA Draft Lottery. They already won the jackpot twice and got to draft Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark in back-to-back years. Clark and Boston plus Kelsey Mitchell and a group of solid role players was enough to bring the Fever back to the playoffs. 

From now on, everything the Fever do will be about getting the team back to being a title contender. Fans have already been speculating left and right about who the Fever will go after this offseason. Kelly Krauskopf revealed plans for an aggressive offseason, which likely means that the Fever will try to pursue another big name while Clark and Boston are still on their rookie contracts. 

The name that has most frequently been connected to the Indiana Fever is Satou Sabally. Sabally broke out in 2023 with the Dallas Wings, averaging 18.6 points on efficient shooting, 8.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.8 steals over 38 regular season games. The Wings’ 2024 season was derailed by injuries and Dallas missed the playoffs. 

Sabally is set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason and seemed interested in exploring the market. She even liked some social media comments recruiting her to Indiana, which had Fever fans go mad with the possibility of adding Sabally to the team. 

With her 3-point shot, ability to create offense, size, and defensive skills, Sabally would be a perfect fit around Clark, Boston, and Mitchell in Indiana. Even if Dallas cores her, the Fever could find a way to trade for her if she really wants to leave.

After the draft lottery, things may look quite different, though. 

Paige Bueckers might convince Sabally to stay in Dallas

The Dallas Wings just won the lottery in a draft that is widely expected to see UConn star Paige Bueckers go first overall. Bueckers has one more season of college eligibility left but is still widely expected to join the WNBA in 2025. 

If the Wings draft Bueckers, they will have a lethal backcourt. Arike Ogunbowale is easily one of the most talented scorers in the WNBA, and giving her a star-caliber player like Bueckers to work with will only make her more dangerous. After winning the draft lottery, the Wings have the opportunity to explode in popularity, much like the Fever did last season, and regain their status as a playoff team. 

That may be just enough to convince Sabally to stay in Dallas and form a big three with Ogunbowale and Bueckers. If that happens, it will impact the Fever’s offseason. 

While we do not know for sure if the Fever were truly considering pursuing Sabally this offseason, it is not unlikely. After last season, it is fairly obvious what type of player the Fever need in the frontcourt next to Aliyah Boston. Sabally fits the job description and will be one of the best free agents available in the offseason. 

If Sabally was indeed the optimal offseason target for the Fever and not just a dreamy vision by Indiana’s fanbase, they should have a Plan B ready. Other big names will be available in free agency, and plenty of players will want to come to Indiana. The question is just who will be the best fit as the Fever aim to make a push toward contention?