The Indiana Fever are in the playoffs for the first time since 2016, but this is only the beginning. Caitlin Clark is already one of the best players in the W as a 22-year-old rookie. She will keep shattering records and improving her game. Fans saw how much better she was after the Olympic break. Now imagine what she can do in an offseason.
Her supporting cast will improve too. Her teammates love playing with her and enjoy the sellout crowds. 2023 number one overall pick Aliyah Boston gives the Fever the best young duo in the league. Kelsey Mitchell and Erica Wheeler are headed towards free agency this offseason, but Indiana will have money to spend.
Expect the franchise to bring back Mitchell and try to add another marquee talent on the open market. One of the best names available and a perfect fit for Indiana just announced she will not return to her current WNBA team. Here is a look at her social media post and why the Fever could land the 6’2 forward.
Natasha Howard shares farewell post to Wings ahead of free agency
Howard is headed towards free agency, and she shared a farewell post to the Dallas Wings one day after her season finale.
🫶🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/FhRuyW26Yp
— NATASHA HOWARD ⚡️FLASH⚡️ (@THoward_6) September 20, 2024
The Wings figure to designate Satou Sabally as their core player this offseason, which leaves Howard free to exit. The 6’2 forward spent two years in Dallas and was drafted by the Fever in 2014. Would she have interest in coming back to Indiana?
Fever have significant cap space and offer a chance to contend
The franchise currently has $657,639 in cap space without Mitchell, Wheeler, or restricted free agent Temi Fagbenle per Spotrac. If they bring all three back at their current salaries, Indiana would have $166,950 to spend. That is unlikely enough to land Howard, but the Fever may part ways with Wheeler and open up significant room.
Howard wants to win. She is a two-time All-Star and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. The 33-year-old has won three championships and would bring some needed experience and defense to the Fever. She averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in 30.6 minutes per game this season.
Howard would be a bucket playing off Caitlin Clark, and Indiana is ready to contend. It will likely only be a one-year contract and presents both sides with the ideal opportunity to reach their goals. The veteran may be the best possible free agent for Indiana, but signing her won’t be easy.
Natasha Howard will have multiple suitors in free agency
Howard is unquestionably one of the best players hitting the open market this offseason and every team with eyes on contending will be interested. The veteran makes an impact on both ends of the floor and could be several teams missing piece for a championship.
There will be plenty of cap space available and a new franchise is joining the WNBA. Howard figures to draw plenty of interest, but no franchise can offer what Indiana does. The three-time champion would have a shot to play in front of a sellout crowd every night and compete for another ring. That alone may be enough to sway the 33-year-old back to Indiana.
Natasha Howard is leaving the Wings, and it will be a hotly contested race for her services. The Indiana Fever project to have interest, but landing the veteran won’t be easy. First, the franchise is worried about the playoffs. Clark and company can make a deep run, and it will only improve their odds of convincing Howard to rejoin the Fever.