Fever desperately wish they could bring this player back next to Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever are likely looking for a NaLyssa Smith replacement this offseason. The number two overall draft pick in 2022 was benched in the playoffs and struggled to find her fit next to Caitlin Clark. She has significant upside, but it may be best for both sides to split.

It would leave the Fever with a massive hole at the four. Aliyah Boston is locked in at the five and is working on her jumper this offseason. Kelsey Mitchell is headed toward free agency, but Indiana needs her scoring. Clark runs the show, and Lexi Hull became an elite shooter playing off the point guard. The Fever must find their fifth starter and some depth to be a serious title contender.

Indiana had the perfect fit on their roster but waived her in the middle of the 2022 season. They were the worst team in the W, and still let a young talent walk out the door. All she did was help her team make the playoffs the last two years and played a key role in the 2024 WNBA Finals.

Fever desperately wish they could bring Alanna Smith back to Indiana

The 6’4 forward has broken out after leaving the Fever. She was a starter on the Sky in 2023 as they made the playoffs. Her scoring efficiency made a massive leap as Smith finished third in the Most Improved Player voting. She joined the Lynx in 2024 where Smith became a lights-out shooter and finished second-team All-Defense.

Smith is the connective role player every NBA team is searching for. She averaged 10.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 26.5 minutes per game as she shot 47.1 percent from the field and 39.8 percent on her 3-point attempts. Now, imagine her getting open looks off Clark and making extra passes. Smith would be elite and help the Fever take the next step.

Indiana is unlikely to bring her back this offseason. She is under contract with the Lynx for 2025 but is an unrestricted free agent in 2026 when the cap is expected to rise significantly. New Fever president Kelly Krauskopf would be wise to target Smith as the perfect forward next to Clark.

The Indiana Fever had her but left her leave after just nine games. They quickly regretted it. The Fever cannot cry over spilled milk. It is time to get to work. They have their superstar. It is all about building a title contender around Caitlin Clark and finding the right fits. Alanna Smith comes from the right mold and do not be surprised to see her back with the Fever at some point.