Things have changed for the Indiana Fever, but no one seems to really notice. While the NBA is all over the news, the WNBA has also been through a turbulent offseason with a series of big trades. If you want to find a team that has a strong rebuilding strategy around its star player, the Indiana Fever are a prime example. They have wasted no time and are becoming the most successful team in the WNBA this year.
Just a year ago, the Fever had the number one pick in two consecutive NBA Drafts, but now they are a serious contender for the WNBA championship next season. Contrary to rumors that WNBA players don’t want to play with Caitlin Clark or move to Indiana, it seems like everyone wants to join this team.
### Keeping Kelsey Mitchell – The Most Important Move
One of the biggest question marks for the Fever this summer is the future of Kelsey Mitchell – Caitlin Clark’s point guard partner. One of the greatest scorers in Fever history and a top-10 scorer for the past 10 seasons, Mitchell is at her peak at age 28. While Caitlin Clark could break more Fever records in the future, Mitchell still has a chance to become the team’s all-time leading scorer.
Last season, the Indiana Fever got off to a slow start with an 11-15 record and looked like they were headed for the bottom of the league. However, Mitchell’s second-half surge, as she averaged 24.3 points per game, helped the Fever win 10 of their final 15 games and reach the playoffs in sixth place overall. Despite being swept by the Connecticut Sun in the first round, the Fever have still shown an incredible transformation.
Extending Kelsey Mitchell’s contract was the Fever’s top priority this summer, and they accomplished that task with a supermax contract worth $250,000 for next season. Although it’s only a one-year deal, it’s important that Mitchell continues to play in Indiana, helping the team maintain its strength without affecting its long-term financial plan.
### Adds Two Veteran Stars: DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard
The Fever not only retained Mitchell, but also added two top-notch veterans: DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard.
– **DeWanna Bonner** – A surprising trade when Bonner, a star of the Connecticut Sun, decided to leave his former team to play with Caitlin Clark. At 37, she’s still a great player, having just won her sixth All-Star season and is just six points away from third place on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list. Bonner is a complete player who can score in a variety of ways and is one of the league’s most consistent scorers. Her experience will be crucial in the Fever’s playoff run.
– **Natasha Howard** – A three-time WNBA champion, former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the league’s best two-way players. At 33, she’s still at the top of her game, averaging 17.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last season. Howard is a solid upgrade over NaLyssa Smith, giving the Fever a solid, athletic defender who can play multiple positions.
### Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson – Perfect Pieces
In addition to the two veterans mentioned above, the Fever also signed **Sophie Cunningham**, a top three-point shooter and defender. With an average three-point percentage of 38% last season, Cunningham will give the Fever one of the best shooting backcourts in the WNBA.
In addition, they also recruited **Sydney Colson**, a two-time WNBA champion with a wealth of experience. Although not a star, Colson is the type of player who is willing to sacrifice for the team, giving the Fever more depth and character at important times.
### Indiana Fever – WNBA Championship Candidates Next Season?
With a roster that combines young talent and experience, the Fever can enter next season as a leading championship candidate. The most important thing will be the progress of Caitlin Clark. If she can maintain her impressive form from the end of last season and continue to develop, the Fever could very well take the top spot in the standings and go far in the playoffs.
If Clark wins MVP and helps the Fever win a championship in her second year of her career, she will quickly cement her status as a legend in women’s basketball. Will 2025 be Caitlin Clark’s year? Let’s wait and see!
