The first step to success in the 2025 season has been completed by the Indiana Fever after re-signing All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell. But that was just the first step-- albeit a much-needed one.
Now looking ahead even further as the free agency signing period opens in early February, the Fever have been on the outside looking in. Many teams around the league have been making big and rather unexpected moves, such as Kelsey Plum joining the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun losing Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones to new teams.
There are still many great names left in free agency, and word around Indianapolis is that the Fever won't be afraid to make a move.
Add another strong point guard
Caitlin Clark carried much of the workload in her first season after averaging 30 minutes per game. There has not been much depth in this position, and with the league expanding the number of games played starting this season this could present a problem for the Fever.
Clark can't do it all, and the Fever have to look to bring in a solid backup to create the necessary depth to prevent fatigue amongst players going deep into the season. Having a lack of backups also effects the scheme of things, and this did happen often last season under then-head coach Christie Sides.
Clark plays a fast-paced tempo, which is why finding a good fit is important and requires a point guard that has good chemistry and the ability to keep up with the pace of other players on the team. The Fever need stability on the backup role, someone that can carry on the workload when Clark needs rest.
Erica Wheeler has been the backup point guard for the Fever, but isn't well known for her scoring. Her role and style of play has been more of that of a facilitator. She is very efficient at setting up plays for her teammates, but since the addition of Clark the Fever play a very different offensive scheme when she's in the game.
The forward position needs addressed
NaLyssa Smith could be on the trading block for a player such as Satou Sabally, who expressed she wants out of Dallas and will not be returning despite being cored. Smith had a rather down year last season and expressed some frustrations within the franchise. The chemistry just did not always appear to be there.
Sabally's name has certainly been floating around as a possible forward that can help take the Fever to the next level. A NaLyssa Smith trade comes into play because the Wings have already placed the core on Sabally, making acquiring her outright not likely.
A lot would have to happen to bring Sabally to Indianapolis since cored players who use a sign-and-trade deal can essentially land wherever they want.
Bulk up the defense
Natasha Howard will likely hit the market this year. After all, she was the WNBA's Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. Adding her to the roster should be the next top priority for the Fever, if in fact she chooses to not return to Dallas. Howard was originally drafted by the Fever in 2014 after putting up big numbers at Florida State.
Howard can certainly be the next target if the Fever are unable to draw in Sabally, since they both play the same position. Howard brings the fast-paced defensive nature to the game. Having finished second-to-last in defensive ratings amongst the league in each of the last two seasons, the Fever need to add a strong defensive presence to their roster.
Bringing in head coach Stephanie White and having the players the Fever do in Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, free agents may certainly find Indiana an appealing place to advance their careers and contribute to a winning culture.