3 Indiana Fever who definitely won't be back, 3 who shouldn't return

The Indiana Fever made the playoffs for the first time since 2016 but were eliminated in the first round by Connecticut Sun. It was a historic season. Caitlin Clark immediately became a superstar and broke several records in year one. The Fever have the brightest young star in basketball and are chasing a new goal.

Indiana brought back Kelly Krauskopf as team president. She was the architect of all those title-contending teams featuring Tamika Catchings, including winning it all in 2012. Krauskopf will build around Clark and continue to add pieces until the Fever are an elite team.

Indiana must make moves. They finished 13-27 in 2023. Clark transformed the franchise, but they need upgrades around her if they plan on being a true title contender. Here is a look at who will and should be gone before the start of the 2025 campaign.

Won’t be back: Erica Wheeler

Wheeler was the Fever’s second-highest-paid player in 2024 but averaged the ninth-most minutes. The 5’7 guard went from starter in 2023 to backing up Caitlin Clark. It limited her to just 14.0 minutes per game, and Wheeler’s lack of consistent shooting makes her a problematic fit next to the Fever's star.

Wheeler averaged 9.9 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 26.8 minutes per game in 2023 as their starter. She shot under 40 percent from the field, but the veteran has been a consistent contributor over her nine years in the W.

The 33-year-old is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and hopes to land significantly more than Indiana is willing to pay. Expect the franchise to move on and use that cap space on a better fit next to their 22-year-old superstar.

Shouldn’t return: Katie Lou Samuelson

Samuelson was the Fever’s third-highest-paid player, despite playing the seventh-most minutes per game. The 6’3 wing missed the 2023 season and has struggled bouncing back. She was not a factor in the playoff rotation and averaged just 4.3 points per game on 34.9 percent shooting from the field.

Samuelson will be on a $180,250 expiring contract in 2025. The Fever hope to find a team willing to take on her contract. She was a star at UConn but has struggled to reach those heights in the W. The 27-year-old should improve in 2025, despite not providing enough defense to be the ideal fit around Clark.

Finding a trade won’t be easy, but teams will have room with the expansion Golden State Valkyries joining the league. The Fever should explore the market to maximize their odds of contending.

Won’t be back: Tami Fagbenle

The 6’4 center returned to the W after four seasons playing exclusively overseas. She struggled with injuries but still managed to average 6.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 18.9 minutes per game. Fagbenle appeared in just 22 regular season contests, and there is a question about how much the Fever can count on her.

The 32-year-old is a restricted free agent this offseason, and Indiana may prioritize using their cap space elsewhere. The 6’4 center does not stretch the floor or protect the rim. The Fever likely look for a superior fit around Clark to use off the bench.

Does Tami Fagbenle stay in the W? She played three seasons for the Lynx from 2017 to 2019 before joining the Fever this year. Fagbenle will have options, and the Fever have the right to match any offer she receives in the WNBA. Expect her to find a new home this offseason as Indiana looks to use their cap space elsewhere.

Shouldn’t return: Kristy Wallace

Wallace went from reserve to starter to out of the rotation this season. The 5’11 guard played a 20-minute per-game role for the Fever in 2023 and shined as a floor spacer. Indiana wanted that shooting next to Clark, but Wallace’s defense was too problematic.

The 28-year-old is set to make $80,823 on an expiring contract in 2025. Does some team view Wallace as a rotation piece? Every franchise wants shooting and one may gamble she can bounce back in a fresh environment.

Confidence is a massive thing in professional sports. It could explain her dip to 29.3 percent shooting from 3-point range this season and a different franchise believing in her may quickly vault her percentage closer to her 37-plus career mark. Both sides should be looking to move on.

Won’t be back: NaLyssa Smith

Smith was primarily a starter, but her production dipped in year three. The 6’4 forward averaged 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds in 2023, but her shot attempts were way down with Clark in town. Smith saw just nine minutes in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. She was demoted to the bench for Game 2 and is clearly not part of the Fever’s long-term plans.

She is under contract for the 2025 season, but do not be surprised to see Indiana leave her unprotected in the expansion draft. Smith may be the leading scorer on the Valkyries next season. The 24-year-old is a bucket, but her lack of shooting and defense makes her a questionable fit in Indiana.

The Fever’s number two overall pick in 2022 likely departs the franchise this offseason. Smith will be looking to dominate the Fever at every turn no matter where she lands.

Shouldn’t return: Damiris Dantas

Dantas is set to make $100,000 in the 2025 season, despite averaging just 10.0 minutes per game this year. The 6’3 forward appears past per peak, but she does offer some floor spacing the Fever desperately need in the frontcourt.

Indiana should look to dump the 31-year-old’s expiring contract to further upgrade their roster around Caitlin Clark. The WNBA is virtually resetting in 2026 when the salary cap is expected to rise significantly. The Fever should look to get a jump on the proceedings by dumping their unwanted contracts for strong fits to their roster.

Dantas played a key role in the postseason and is not the worst player to keep around. Her defense is problematic, especially on a fast-paced team, but the Fever want shooting. They should look to get younger and more well-rounded as the franchise attempts to take the next step.

The Indiana Fever will look different next season. They figure to be significant players in free agency and are eager to build a title-contending roster around Caitlin Clark. Expect plenty of moves, and stay tuned for all the latest.