WNBA Offseason Primer: Indiana Fever

January 15 marked the official start of WNBA free agency. The WNBA released an official list of core players, reserved players, unrestricted free agents and restricted free agents.

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With the help of The Summitt’s WNBA salaries database compiled by our own Howard Megdal, we’ll take a look at each WNBA team going into free agency, aiming to answer the following questions:

Which players are free agents?
Which players are still under contract?
Who are some potential prospects worth targeting in the upcoming WNBA Draft?
Which players on the free agent markets would be good fits to add for 2018?

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 30: Erica Wheeler

The Indiana Fever finished last season with a record of 9-25. Candice Dupree, acquired via trade last offseason, led the team in scoring at the four spot and was named an All-Star in 2017. The Fever lost three critical players to season-ending injury last season: starting wing Shenise Johnson (ACL), guard Tiffany Mitchell and starting point guard Briann January.

Erica Wheeler filled in as the team’s starter at the point down the stretch, highlighted by a 33 point explosion August 8 against the Liberty. Wheeler, an undrafted free agent in 2015, spent time with Atlanta and New York as a rookie. She got a training camp invite from Indiana in 2016 and went on to make the final roster.

Jazmon Gwathmey had some nice moments on the wing and led the team in blocks in 2017. Gwathmey, just a two-year pro, has already had an interesting career path. Her draft rights were sent to San Antonio in exchange for Jia Perkins in 2016. The Fever then sent a 2018 third round pick to the Stars in exchange for Gwathmey last May.

Now let’s break down Indiana’s situation — current free agents, players still under contract and the status of their 2018 draft picks.

Unrestricted free agents (UFAs): G/F Shenise Johnson, G Jeanette Pohlen-Mavunga, G Jennie Simms

Restricted free agents (RFAs): none

Reserved player: F Jennifer Hamson, G Erica Wheeler

Core player: F Candice Dupree

Players under contract:

G/F Marissa Coleman (through 2018)
F Natalie Achonwa (through 2018)
G/F Jazmon Gwathmey (through 2019, team option)
G Briann January (through 2018)
F/C Erlana Larkins (contract details unknown — re-signed to multi-year deal February 1, 2017)
G Tiffany Mitchell (through 2019, team option)
F Erica McCall (contract details unknown)

2018 draft picks: No. 2, No. 14 and No. 26

The status of Dupree and DeWanna Bonner is worth monitoring — will the pair make it known they’d like to play together in 2018, and will either team act on such requests? Both players were cored by their respective teams. Here’s what Dupree had to say to the AP’s Doug Feinberg back in August on that subject:

"“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Dupree said. “We have the same agent so he has his work cut out for him to figure out next summer. It’s something we talk about occasionally. At some point we’ll have to figure it out.”"

The Fever could already put together an entire lineup of 26-and-under players — Wheeler, Mitchell, Gwathmey, McCall and Achonwa — even before adding their 2018 draft picks into the mix. Like Las Vegas, the other team picking at the top of the draft, Indiana may have its sights more on competing right away given its injury misfortune last year and the prospects of adding a high impact player with the No. 2 pick. Moves made in free agency may shine some light on which way the Fever’s decision makers are leaning.

Players to possibly target in free agency:

Should Shenise Johnson end up elsewhere once the dust settles in free agency, there are a few young wings that could possibly hit the open market. Last season we saw a pick and roll-heavy offense from the Fever. Jordan Hooper (turns 26 in February, RFA) and Rebecca Allen (25, NYL reserved player) could help open up the floor for Indiana’s ball handlers.
It’s possible that this player never engages in serious negotiations with another team, but Minnesota RFA Natasha Howard (The Summitt’s No. 4 RFA) is just 26. She would bring some length and athleticism to bolster Indiana’s defense. Indiana could also attempt to lure her with the idea of a larger role, including a chance to spread her wings some on the offensive end with a young team.

What are your expectations for the Fever in 2018? What would your strategy be with the No. 2 overall pick, and could that player put them in a position to get back to the playoffs?