5 Burning questions the Fever must answer this offseason

The Indiana Fever face one of the most important offseason in franchise history. Caitlin Clark proved she’s a superstar on and off the court, but the franchise needs more talent around her to be a serious title contender.

They have already revamped their front office with Kelly Krauskopf returning as the top decision-maker. She had the Fever in the playoffs for a dozen consecutive years and helped them win a championship with Tamika Catchings. Now, Krauskopf has a new superstar to build around.

The franchise has several questions to sort out entering a crucial winter. Fans are already wondering what the new front office has in store. The answers will determine the franchise’s fate in 2025 and beyond, so here is a look at the biggest questions.

5. How do the Fever upgrade their roster around Caitlin Clark?

The front office has a plan, but executing it is a different story. Beyond that, those players lifting Indiana into title contention is another facet. Can the Fever accomplish all three? It is a massive ask.

There are more specific questions, but this may be the most important. Can Krauskopf and company find the right pieces that maximize Clark? They need shooting and defense, but the WNBA lacks true 3-and-D specialists. Uncovering one would be massive, but it won’t be easy.

If they cannot find a 3-and-D option, do they go shooting or defense? Is there another star talent who wants to play with Clark? Can Krauskopf improve their depth? Those are all questions that need to be answered and will go a long way in determining the present and future of the franchise.

4. Does Christie Sides return as head coach?

Sides spent nine years as an assistant, but the Fever are her first head coaching gig. The 47-year-old went 13-27 in year one before finishing 20-20 and making the playoffs in 2024. She did a fantastic job in bringing the team together and helping them avoid the pitfalls of their increased fame. Still, something was lacking with Sides.

Her defensive scheme was problematic as the Fever finished 11th of 12 franchises in defensive rating. Sides played Clark off the ball for significant stretches and struggled to make adjustments. The on-court lacked, but how much of that was a young squad testing their limits?

It was Lin Dunn who hired Sides. Does the new front office want to bring in their coach? Can Sides maximize Clark and help the Fever be serious title contenders? She may be the Mark Jackson in the Warriors dynasty. Sides lays the groundwork before someone else comes in to lead the franchise to a championship.

The Fever front office should commit to Sides or let her go. This is an important offseason and having the right coach is crucial heading into the 2025 campaign.

3. How much does Caitlin Clark improve in year two?

This is a scary thought for the rest of the WNBA. The 22-year-old broke the record for assists in a season but was even better after the Olympic break. She led the top offense in the W as she produced 23.1 points, 8.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 35.9 minutes per game. Clark shot 37.0 percent from 3-point range and was unstoppable down the stretch.

Fans should expect her to be even better in year two. Clark will add a new trick or two to her bag. Expect the focus to be on shooting and playmaking upgrades. She needs to cut down on her turnovers and increase her efficiency if she wants to be in the MVP conversation in 2025.

The greats are always improving, and Caitlin Clark deserves to be in that category. She is already elite but will be better in year two. Everyone is just waiting to see how much.

2. Where does NaLyssa Smith end up?

Smith struggled to adapt to playing off Caitlin Clark. The 6’4 forward averaged 15.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 2023, but those numbers all dipped in 2024. She was the starter for most of the season before being benched in Game 2 of their playoff series versus the Sun. The number two overall pick in 2022 has talent, but it is best for both parties to move on.

Finding a trade should be the priority. The Golden State Valkyries enter the W this offseason as an expansion franchise and may be eager to get a strong scorer and rebounder on their roster. The Fever may leave her unprotected in the expansion draft but would get zero in return.

Indiana is focused on fit. Smith is a subpar shooter and is not known for her defense. The Fever have three All-Stars on their roster, which left Smith as the fourth option. The shots and touches were just not available.

Expect NaLysaa Smith to find a new home this offseason, but fans must wait to find out where.

1. Does Kelsey Mitchell return in 2025?

The two-time All-Star is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but the Fever can core her. It would bring her back on a one-year maximum contract. Indiana would face a similar problem in the 2026 offseason, but nearly every veteran player will be a free agent. This summer, the Fever will not replace Mitchell if she leaves.

The 5’8 guard became one of the W’s best scorers playing off Caitlin Clark. She is a bucket and helped the Fever produce the top offensive rating in the league after the Olympic break. Indiana must bring her back, but does Mitchell want to return?

These questions will all be answered soon enough. Expect the Indiana Fever to enter training camp with an improved roster, and stay tuned for all the latest.