What Natasha Howard signing with the Fever means for NaLyssa Smith

Howard solves one problem for the Fever this offseason, but may cause another for a current member of the team.

Indiana Fever v Chicago Sky
Indiana Fever v Chicago Sky | Michael Hickey/GettyImages

The Indiana Fever have solved its wing problem, as former Dallas Wings forward Natasha Howard announced via Instagram that she will be signing with the Fever as a free agent.

Howard was a 2014 draft pick for the Fever, playing her first two years with the team before heading off to Minnesota. She said that she was going "back to where all of [her] dreams came true."

Howard brings her three-time WNBA title winning experience to an exciting, young core of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Lexie Hull, all of whom are under 30 years old. The one thing they were missing was a wing-- and they get it with Howard.

But where does that leave NaLyssa Smith?

Smith has had a tumultuous offseason on social media, hinting at her relationship with the Fever. After Indiana was eliminated by the Connecticut Sun in September, Smith removed the Fever's handle from her Instagram bio. Just a month later, she posted a black screen on her story with the words "Don't stay nowhere [you] not wanted [and] appreciated."

Smith has not come out publicly and spoken on these actions, but her brother did take to social media to tell fans that the story post had nothing to do with basketball. While she, herself, is yet to comment, Smith's days in Indiana could be limited-- especially since the Fever signed Howard.

Howard and Smith have very similar play styles. Both drive, both can play effectively in the post, and both are not known for their three-point shooting. Having both Howard and Smith in the starting lineup with Boston would mean that the only shooting threats on the floor would be Clark and Mitchell, and that the paint would be congested.

They cannot both start, and they are both too good to come off the bench-- even after a NaLyssa Smith down year.

It would be wise for the Fever to shop Smith, and the signing of Howard is a possible indication that they are already doing so. Howard's Dallas teammate Satou Sabally, someone already rumored to be on the Fever's radar, has announced that she has played her final game with the Wings-- she could be a viable option at small forward with Howard at the four.

Sabally also adds more shooting, as she can score from anywhere on the court. They don't call her "Unicorn" for nothing.

Fever fans should watch closely over the next week for any updates on Smith's status with the Fever. With Sabally being one of the prime names on the trading block, this move would have to happen sooner rather than later.