The 2024 season was an overall success for the Indiana Fever. Indiana snapped their playoff drought while Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, emerged as a star. However, the Fever were eliminated following their series loss against the Connecticut Sun.
The Fever will have work to do during the offseason. Sure, 2024 was a success but the Fever finished as the No. 6 overall seed. They would love to establish themselves as a top-tier contender within the next year or two. Adding to the roster will be important, but the Fever must also consider moving on from three players.
3. Kristy Wallace
Wallace, a 28-year-old guard, averaged only 17.2 minutes per outing in her 26 games played in 2024. She offers fairly respectable offensive prowess off the bench, but her fit alongside Clark is not the best. In fact, Wallace even started 15 games this season but the Fever are probably better off without her in the starting lineup.
One has to wonder if Wallace would be open to returning if offered a role off the bench. The Fever should probably go in a different direction. A fresh start may also benefit Wallace.
2. Temi Fagbenle
Fagbenle is a veteran center who played an important role for the Fever throughout the 2024 campaign. So why is Fagbenle not the best fit for this Caitlin Clark-led roster?
Fagbenle's fit isn't necessarily the problem. If the Fever want to upgrade the roster around Clark and other stars such as Kelsey Mitchell, though, bringing Fagbenle back would not make too much sense. Fagbenle will be a restricted free agent but the Fever may value the potential extra cap space.
Moving on from Fagbenle could lead to the Fever adding multiple impactful players to add necessary roster depth.
1. NaLyssa Smith
Should the Fever consider the possibility of not re-signing a 24-year-old who has helped the team throughout the season?
Smith is a good player. Her fit alongside Clark is questionable, though. Smith is a versatile forward who contributes in multiple facets of the game, but going in a different direction could allow the Fever to bring in another superstar.
Smith's mention on this list is not meant as criticism. She has the potential to become a star in the WNBA. However, she would probably benefit from a change.
Smith recorded three three-point attempts per game in her first season in the WNBA. She averaged just over two three-point attempts per outing last year. In 2024, though, Smith averaged only 1.2 three-point attempts per outing.
Her overall scoring saw a decline as well, as she averaged a career-low 10.6 points per game. There are teams around the WNBA that would likely give Smith a more impactful scoring role. She averaged 15.5 points per game in 2023, displaying her high-ceiling.
Parting ways would be best for both the Fever and Smith.