The Indiana Fever are switching paths. The rebuild is done after making the playoffs in 2024. Caitlin Clark was one of the best players in the W as a rookie, and the franchise wants to build a title contender around her immediately. The Fever have three All-Stars but need more pieces to compete with the top franchises.
Indiana has already retooled their front office with Kelly Krauskopf returning to lead the way. She built a contender around Tamika Catchings for a decade straight and plans to do the same around Clark.
The Fever will make changes this offseason. With new players coming in, some have to leave. These options may have played their way out of Indiana in year one with Clark.
4. Kristy Wallace
Wallace was out of the Fever’s rotation after the Olympic break. She struggled to hit shots and was far from a lockdown defender. The 5’11 guard brings energy and competitive spirit, but that was not enough to stick in the rotation.
It is fair to question Wallace’s fit around Clark. She shot 40.5 percent from 3-point range in his two WNBA seasons before it dipped to 29.3 percent this year. The Fever are building around the reigning Rookie of the Year and need Wallace to space the floor. Her lack of shooting may have played her right off the roster, despite being under contract for the 2025 season.
She is far from the only one. Indiana has a specific style they want to play with Caitlin Clark. If you do not fit that up-tempo system focused on floor spacing and defense, it may be time for the organization to move on.
3. Damiris Dantas
Dantas returned to the WNBA after missing the entire 2023 season but played just 10.5 minutes per game. The 6’3 forward is best suited in a slower paced system and is an inconsistent 3-point shooter. Dantas played a season-high 23.8 minutes in Game 1 of the Fever’s playoff series against the Sun, but she was not the ideal fit.
The 32-year-old is under contract for the 2025 season, but will likely be left unprotected in the Golden State Valkyries expansion draft. Finding a 6’3 forward with some playmaking chops is not easy, so do not be surprised to see her playing in the Bay Area next season.
2. Katie Lou Samuelson
Samuelson missed the entire 2023 season because of maternity but struggled in her first year with Fever. She averaged just 4.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 18.2 minutes per game. Indiana gave her 15 starts, but Katie Lou just could not find her fit next to Caitlin Clark.
The 6’3 forward will be better next season, but she is an inconsistent shooter with defensive questions. The Fever need her to space the floor. If not, she will always struggle to fit around Indiana’s superstar.
Samuelson is under contract for $180,250 for the 2025 season. The Fever will struggle to find a team willing to take on that deal, but it is best for both sides to part ways. Samuelson can hope to find more run as Indiana searches for a superior fit.
1. NaLyssa Smith
Smith started for the majority of the season, but it was clear her talents were not maximized playing off Clark. The former second-overall draft pick averaged 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds in 2023, but those numbers dipped to 10.6 and 7.1 last season. Smith is a subpar shooter who needs the ball in her hands more to reach her peak.
The 24-year-old is still improving, but it is time to move on. The Fever will search for more of a 3-and-D option as Smith looks to get more touches on her new squad. Do not be surprised to see her thriving elsewhere in 2025. It is just not the right fit next to Caitlin Clark.
The Indiana Fever need to move on from some talented players to find superior fits if they want to jump into title contention. It is not easy, but a must. Expect the new front office to be active and aggressive. Stay tuned to see how it all plays out.