The Indiana Fever made a lot of free agency moves during the offseason this year that revealed one major plan: it's time for the team to win now. Not next season, not down the road — it's clear the Fever is after a championship, and the team's front office has strategized and signed players accordingly.
Some fans were surprised when the Fever traded NaLyssa Smith and the team's No. 8 overall pick in this year's draft in exchange for Sophie Cunningham and the No. 19 pick, but if you've been paying attention, the move makes a lot of sense.
There is no Sophie Cunningham available in the first round
One of the biggest questions the Fever had to answer this year ahead of the WNBA Draft is finding out who would be likely to be available at the No. 8 overall spot in the first place. And while there are plenty of talented players who could be drafted at that spot, it's clear the front office felt Cunningham could more effectively fill a role that can lead to a championship win — not a rookie.
Cunningham is a double-digit scoring vet who will work well with Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell, will strengthen the Fever's already strong 3-point shooting.
It's also worth stating the obvious: in the WNBA, the No. 8 pick isn't necessarily going to be someone who makes big moves right away. In recent years the most successful No. 8 pick was probably Brionna Jones, who took a while to adjust to the league.
Potential second-round draft picks to stash until 2026
The Fever does have the No. 19 and 20 picks in the draft this year, but as most WNBA fans know by now, it's unlikely those picks will see court time with the team beyond a potential training camp invitation.
The team could opt to look overseas and pick up a player or two already signed to a team where they can continue to develop and potentially bring that player (or players) to the US in 2026 or even 2027 (presumably after a new CBA has been signed). There are also several NCAA players who would be great pick ups at those spots, including Gianna Kneepkens and Maddy Westbeld.
Westbeld missed half the 2024-25 season after suffering a foot injury, but has steadily improved since returning to the court and made a strong showing for the Fighting Irish during the ACC Tournament. Kneepkens averaged 19.4 points per game this year for Utah.