5 Fever who should be dangled in trade to improve roster around Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever are just getting started. They went from five wins in 2022 to making the playoffs two years later. Caitlin Clark had a breakout rookie season and is already one of the W’s best players. The Fever have their sights set on building a title contender around her but need more talent to make that a reality.

Indiana hopes to keep Kelsey Mitchell in free agency and will have significant cap space. They must avoid losing a talented player in the expansion draft and new president Kelly Krauskopf needs to find upgrades. The Fever can quickly leap with the right pieces around Clark.

They must use every avenue to upgrade their roster. The Fever should add in free agency and the draft while looking to improve via trade. With the WNBA’s salary cap rising in 2026, several players could be looking to change teams ahead of the reset. Who should Indiana offer in a deal?

5. Grace Berger

The 6’0 guard showed promise as a rookie when she averaged 4.2 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per game. Berger made 16 of her 34 3-point attempts. She was a rookie on a rebuilding team, but the seventh overall pick displayed potential.

The 25-year-old slipped from the rotation with the arrival of Clark. She still has two years remaining on her rookie deal, but does not appear to be a long-term piece for the Fever.

Does a rebuilding team want to buy low? She has potential but needs playing time to unlock it. Those minutes are not coming in Indiana, and the final year of her contract could be a steal if the cap rises significantly. Do not be surprised to see some team willing to give Grace Berger a shot.

4. Katie Lou Samuelson

Samuelson has played for five different teams in her five WNBA seasons. She missed the entire 2023 campaign because of maternity and struggled in her return. She averaged 4.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 18.2 minutes per game while shooting 34.9 percent from the field and 33.0 percent on her threes.

The 6’3 forward is set to make $180,250 in the final year of her contract in 2025. It could be a strong matching salary if the Fever find a marquee deal. Samuelson was a plus-shooter before missing an entire season and could be a role player elsewhere.

Finding a trade for the fourth overall pick in 2019 won’t be easy, but Indiana should float her name in potential deals. The cap savings alone could help the Fever build a title contender around Caitlin Clark.

3. Damiris Dantas

Dantas did not play in the WNBA in 2023 and saw a career-low 10.5 minutes per game this season. The 6’3 forward was outstanding for Minnesota in the 2019 and 2020 playoffs. She is on the downside of her career, but the Fever should shop her expiring contract in hopes of finding an upgrade.

Dantas is set to make $100,000 in the 2025 season, and Fever head coach Christie Sides gave her 23.8 minutes in Game 1 of their playoff series against the Sun. Her playing time dipped under nine in Game 2, but did some team see enough to give her a shot?

It won’t be an easy contract to move, but it should not stop the Fever’s front office from exploring the market.

2. Temi Fagbenle

Fagbenle is a restricted free agent this offseason, and the Fever may prioritize cap space over re-signing the veteran. With the Golden State Valkyries entering the W, the expansion franchise need talent and salary. Indiana may try to trade the 31-year-old to the Bay Area.

Fagbenle started Game 2 of their playoff series against the Sun, and the 6’4 center could be back with the Fever. If Indiana finds an upgrade, they should look to get something for the 31-year-old. She is in just her fourth WNBA season, so do not rule out an overseas return. Fagbenle likely stays through 2026 and the expected cap spike.

What can Indiana get? They should certainly explore the market to find out.

1. NaLyssa Smith

Smith being benched in the decisive playoff game was likely the last time fans see her in a Fever jersey. The 24-year-old was the second overall draft pick in 2022 and averaged 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds in 2023. There will be interest in the 6’4 forward, and the Fever should look to move on.

Smith could shine in the right situation. She did not play well as a floor spacer off Caitlin Clark in Indiana but do not be surprised to see her filling it up on another squad. Smith needs the ball in her hands more and additional offensive freedom.

The Indiana Fever will trade NaLyssa Smith this offseason and multiple deals could be on the horizon as they try to build around Caitlin Clark. The All-Star is just getting started and more will be expected in year two. Upgrades are needed to deliver, but trust more success lies ahead.