2 Reasons to bring Erica Wheeler back to Fever, 2 to let her walk in free agency

The Indiana Fever are fresh off a breakout season. Caitlin Clark instantly became a superstar and led the franchise back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. She finished fourth in MVP voting, but her success adds pressure for the Fever. They are building around her and want to jump into title contention as soon as possible. Indiana needs roster upgrades and to find ways to maximize their superstar.

The Fever will have cap space, the eighth overall pick in the 2025 draft, and trade assets to improve their roster. It starts with three crucial free agency decisions. Kelsey Mitchell will likely return, but does the franchise lose Erica Wheeler or Temi Fagbenle? Those decisions are not as straightforward.

Wheeler was the team’s starting point guard in 2023 before Clark arrived. She shifted to a bench role this season but embraced a key aspect that helped Indiana climb. Was it enough to bring Wheeler back? Here is the case for and against her remaining on the Fever.

Bring back: Leadership

Wheeler took Clark under her wing from the moment the number one overall draft pick arrived in Indiana. She was determined to ease the transition and help the rookie reach her potential. Clark would not have shined as brightly without Wheeler’s mentoring and leadership.

The Fever still have a young roster. Their two cornerstones are 22 years old. Lexi Hull is 24, and NaLyssa Smith is only 23. Kelsey Mitchell is in her prime at 28. Wheeler brings a key voice to the young squad and is the perfect backup point guard behind Clark.

Her off-the-court impact alone creates interest from Indiana, but the Fever want to be title contenders. They need more talent to make that a reality, which complicates the Wheeler situation.

Let walk: Contract

Wheeler was the Fever’s second-highest-paid player in 2024 as she closed out a two-year contract. They signed her to be a starter, but that was no longer the case after Clark arrived. Wheeler was seventh in minutes played and was a problematic fit next to the rookie in the backcourt.

The Fever need more production for that type of money, especially with the WNBA’s hard cap. They cannot have a 14-minute per-game option on a near-max contract.

Wheeler won’t play more unless Clark is sidelined. The 33-year-old would have to be willing to accept less money to remain in Indiana. That is a massive ask, especially if another team is willing to offer her significantly more. The Fever would love to bring her back, but it needs to make sense.

Bring back: Playmaking

Clark will the ball in her hands a ton, but she cannot be the Fever’s only playmaker. Aliyah Boston was second on the team in assists last season. That is a luxury and gives Indiana multiple playmakers on the floor, but what about when their superstar needs a rest?

Indiana does not want Kelsey Mitchell operating as their point guard. She is an elite play-finisher but had 71 assists and 64 turnovers last season. The Fever need someone capable of getting everyone involved and running their offense.

Wheeler averaged 9.9 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.1 turnovers in 26.8 minutes per game in 2023 as their starter. She has the potential to thrive as the top ball-handler and playmaker on the floor, especially in short bursts behind Clark.

The Fever would need a replacement if they let Erica Wheeler leave in free agency. It would likely be a downgrade, but they may be able to find a superior option for this.

Let walk: Fit next to Caitlin Clark

Wheeler is a 5’7 point guard not known for her defense. Mitchell is 5’8, and Clark struggled on the defensive end. Having an undersized backcourt and no dominant rim protector to clean up creates plenty of issues. Indiana had an elite offense but struggled to get stops. Those problems were worse with Wheeler on the floor next to Clark.

The veteran is a career 32.8 percent 3-point shooter who is used to playing primarily on the ball. Being asked to be a spot-up shooter is something new. Wheeler set a new career-high in the percentage of her field goals that were assisted, but she struggled to make shots.

Erica Wheeler is best as the backup point guard behind Caitlin Clark in Indiana. Is she willing to take a pay cut and accept a lesser role to stay with the Fever? It is a massive ask and no easy decision for the veteran.

The Indiana Fever want to jump into title contention in 2025. That only happens with more talent around their superstar. Wheeler will have a chance to stay with the group, but it may be time for her to move on. She won’t need to meet the team’s demands and will have more playing time elsewhere. Ultimately, the decision will be Wheeler’s, and it is too soon to say which way she wants to go.