Indiana Fever’s Offseason Moves: A Game-Changer for 2025
Hey there, basketball fans! If you’ve been following the WNBA, you know that the Indiana Fever have been making some serious waves. After a long playoff drought, they made a triumphant return last season, marking their first postseason appearance since 2016. Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, the Fever are not just looking to participate—they’re aiming to dominate. Could this be the year they transform into a championship contender? Let’s dive into the details.
The Core of the Team
At the heart of the Fever’s resurgence are back-to-back WNBA Rookie of the Year winners, Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, alongside veteran Kelsey Mitchell. This All-Star trio forms the backbone of the franchise. But the Fever aren’t stopping there. They’ve been busy in the offseason, adding players with championship experience and a knack for defense and three-point shooting.
Key Offseason Acquisitions
In a flurry of activity, the Fever have bolstered their roster with some impressive names. They’ve signed guard/forward DeWanna Bonner and forward Natasha Howard as free agents. Additionally, they acquired forward Sophie Cunningham through a four-way trade involving the Phoenix Mercury, which also saw forward NaLyssa Smith move from Indiana to the Dallas Wings.
Mitchell’s Return
Another significant development for the Fever is the return of Kelsey Mitchell. The shooting guard, who was an unrestricted free agent, has been designated as a core player by the team and signed a one-year deal to continue her journey with Indiana. This move is particularly strategic as the union and the WNBA are in the midst of negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement for 2026 and beyond.
Veteran Experience and Defensive Prowess
Let’s talk about the new additions. The 6-foot-4 DeWanna Bonner, at 37, is a seasoned veteran entering her 16th season. She’s previously played with Phoenix and the Connecticut Sun, winning two championships with the Mercury and reaching the 2022 WNBA Finals with the Sun. Bonner’s career averages of 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists speak volumes about her impact on the court. Her experience with Stephanie White, now the Fever’s coach, during her time in Connecticut, adds another layer of familiarity and strategy to the team.
Natasha Howard, 33, is making a return to the Fever, having been drafted by Indiana in 2014. She’s a three-time WNBA champion, with titles from the Minnesota Lynx and the Seattle Storm. Known for her defensive skills, Howard was named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Her presence alongside Boston is expected to fortify the Fever’s defense significantly.
Then there’s Sophie Cunningham, 28, a player who thrives on intensity and physical play. Nicknamed “Spicy Sophie,” she’s known for her grit and edge, qualities that could be exactly what the Fever need. Plus, her proficiency in three-point shooting, with 254 treys in her six seasons with Phoenix, adds a valuable dimension to the team’s offense.
Fast-Paced Play with Clark
All three new players are known for their ability to run the floor, a crucial skill with Caitlin Clark at point guard. Clark, who led the WNBA in assists last season with 8.4 per game, thrives in a fast-paced game. Her ability to reward players who hustle up and down the court is a key component of the Fever’s strategy.
Looking Ahead
The offseason has seen a lot of movement across the league, with big names switching teams and new dynamics emerging. The Fever, who finished 20-20 and exited in the first round of the playoffs last season, are gearing up for a more competitive run. The moves they’ve made address critical needs and promise to enhance the team’s performance. With a fan base that led the WNBA in attendance both at home and on the road last season, the Fever are set to bring even more excitement to the court.
- Indiana Fever’s playoff return after 2016
- Key acquisitions: Bonner, Howard, Cunningham
- Kelsey Mitchell’s strategic one-year deal
- Clark’s leadership in fast-paced play
So, what do you think? Are the Fever ready to make a splash in 2025? Let’s keep our eyes on the court and see how this season unfolds!
Originally Written by: Michael Voepel
