The WNBA trade deadline is usually pretty quiet. However, there was a certain expectation that Betnijah Laney-Hamilton would be moved this year. She was collecting DNPs on Chris DeMarco’s bench in New York while several teams could have used a perimeter defender like her—even after a knee injury that cost her the entire 2025 season.
The Liberty didn’t trade Laney-Hamilton, but eventually waived her on August 6 and signed youngster Marine Fauthoux to a multi-year deal. The decision came just at the right time for the Indiana Fever.
The Fever announced on August 4 that Damiris Dantas would miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear. That means, the Fever have an open roster spot and could sign a championship veteran without having to waive anyone. Dantas wasn’t a big on-court contributor, but the Fever valued her experience and leadership. Laney-Hamilton was a starter on a championship team and is in her tenth WNBA season. She can be a leader as well.
Plus, they could really use the wing depth.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton could help the Fever
After a breakout 2025 season, Lexie Hull hasn’t been great this year. She’s averaging just 5.5 points per game and shooting 34.7% on 3-pointers. Against the Aces, she recorded more turnovers than shot attempts—three to one and her one shot wasn’t even a 3-pointer.
Sophie Cunningham is the only wing behind Hull in the rotation and while she’s averaging solid numbers for the season, she also had two rough games. She scored just three points in a loss to the Lynx and two in the overtime loss to Las Vegas.
The Fever need someone else who can play minutes on the wing, defend, and knock down shots. Laney-Hamilton shot just 24.3% from deep over 17 games with the Liberty, but she shot at least 37% in three consecutive seasons prior and could easily rediscover her touch in a steadier role. Plus, her experience could be invaluable in the playoffs. She was, after all, instrumental to the Liberty’s 2024 championship run.
Laney-Hamilton’s injury history also wouldn’t be a massive concern for the Fever. Hull and Cunningham have been in the system for much longer. They have chemistry with Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, so they would still be ahead of her in the rotation, and she wouldn’t have to play a ton of minutes.
Signing with Indiana would also have its perks for Laney-Hamilton. It would be an immediate opportunity to prove that she can still contribute to a winning team, even if DeMarco doesn’t think so, and improve her free agency stock for next year.
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