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 lately. After a long playoff drought, they made a triumphant return to the postseason last year, marking their first appearance since 2016. Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, the Fever are not just looking to make the playoffs—they’re aiming to become a championship contender. Let’s dive into the exciting moves they’ve made this offseason and what it could mean for their future.
First off, let’s talk about the core of this team. The Fever boast back-to-back WNBA Rookie of the Year winners, Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, alongside veteran star Kelsey Mitchell. This trio forms the All-Star backbone of the franchise. But Indiana isn’t stopping there. They’ve been busy adding players with championship experience and a knack for defense and three-point shooting—key areas they needed to bolster.
In the past week alone, the Fever have made significant additions through free agency and trades. They’ve brought in guard/forward DeWanna Bonner, forward Sophie Cunningham, and forward Natasha Howard. Bonner and Howard joined as free agents, while Cunningham was acquired in a four-way trade involving the Phoenix Mercury, which also saw forward NaLyssa Smith move from Indiana to the Dallas Wings.
These moves come on the heels of another big offseason development: Kelsey Mitchell’s return. As an unrestricted free agent, Mitchell was given a core designation by the team and signed a one-year deal to stay with Indiana for her eighth season. (Players are opting for one-year contracts as the union and the WNBA negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement for 2026 and beyond.)
Now, let’s break down these new additions:
- DeWanna Bonner: At 37, Bonner is entering her 16th season in the WNBA, having previously played with Phoenix and the Connecticut Sun. She’s a two-time champion with the Mercury and played in the 2022 WNBA Finals with the Sun. Bonner’s career averages are 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Known for her length and tenacity, she’s a versatile defender who can guard any position.
- Natasha Howard: Returning to the Fever, Howard was originally drafted by Indiana in 2014. She’s a three-time WNBA champion, having won titles with the Minnesota Lynx and the Seattle Storm. At 6-2, she plays bigger than her size and was the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Her defensive prowess will be a great complement to Boston inside.
- Sophie Cunningham: Known as “Spicy Sophie,” Cunningham is a player fans either love or hate, and she thrives on that energy. She brings grit and edge to the Fever, along with solid three-point shooting skills, having made 254 treys in her six seasons with Phoenix.
All three players are also known for their ability to run the floor, which is crucial with Caitlin Clark at point guard. Clark, who led the WNBA in assists last season with 8.4 per game, loves to play fast and rewards teammates who hustle up and down the court.
With so many big names moving around this offseason, the Fever are not alone in their quest for improvement. Several teams are reshaping their rosters to be more competitive. The Fever, who finished 20-20 and exited in the first round of the playoffs last season, still have challenges ahead.
However, the strategic moves they’ve made address key needs and should enhance their performance. Plus, they’re sure to add even more excitement to a team that led the WNBA in attendance both at home and on the road last season. So, keep an eye on the Indiana Fever—they might just surprise us all in 2025!
Originally Written by: Michael Voepel
