5 PLAUSIBLE INDIANA FEVER TRADE TARGETS
WRITTEN + EDITED BY JORDYN BONTRAGER
As we sneak up on the quarter mark in the 2026 WNBA season, first impressions have been wildly underwhelming for the Indiana Fever. The offensive attack has been humming, but the defensive resistance has been hurting as perimeter threats continue hunting Caitlin Clark and picking this flimsy Fever defense apart.
While the season has only just begun and a ton of time stands between the prickly present and the unforgiving future, it is time to start assessing what is working and what is not working in order to determine the next steps from a front office standpoint. Barring any miraculous magic taking shape within this team’s huddles going forward, it seems painfully obvious that this roster is simply not where it needs to be from a perspective of championship pursuit. Amber Cox and Co. could pull the patience card and trust the coaching staff to make things work after the surgical run they orchestrated last year. The likelier scenario would be chipping away at the rough exterior edges that compose this team’s supporting cast.
Prior to pulling any potential candidate names out of the trade market hat, let’s first loop back around to the topic of what is working and what is not working for the Fever thus far.
WHAT IS
CCKM backcourt has been unsurprisingly spectacular sparking the offensive charge (league’s 3rd-highest scoring combo combining for 40.7 PPG).
Gang is hitting a beautiful 84.6% of their 24.4 FTA/game (3rd best efficiency x 5th-highest volume [respectively] in the W).
Gang has been collectively controlling the nightly clash on the glass (4th best RPG differential at +2.6).
Gang has been dropping dimes all around (22.1 APG is 3rd in the league).
Makayla Timpson (turns 24 in September) and Raven Johnson (turned 23 in March) are establishing themselves as legitimate rotation pieces for both now AND later. Those two, especially in Timpson’s case, have been godsends off the pine.
WHAT IS NOT
GOAT Clark has had VISIBLE visible outbursts of frustration towards the coaching staff on MULTIPLE multiple occasions, which media vultures alike have swooped in and picked apart across mainstream outlets. But before the sports universe conducts it’s typical call for a coaching change in this scenario, bare in mind that both Clark and White have each recently gone on record in proclaiming their willingness to ride for one another. Also, White did technically lead this savagely undermanned unit to the Conference Finals last year…. without Clark. She gets all the grace. Just saying.
Branching off of the above bullet point here. While Clark has certainly showcased an expanded scoring bag with a renewed sense of downhill burst + enhanced core of physical strength, she seems to have regressed in the areas of both defense and, more importantly, leadership. From the outside looking in, it appears that Clark is unwilling to take accountability for some/most of her defensive lapses. When her coaching staff appears to offer constructive criticism to their captain in these cases, she seemingly dismisses them in angst and disgust. When your captain on the court is unwilling to claim personal accountability where it is due, that is going to raise some eyebrows around her when her teammates are asked to do the same in similar scenarios. Again, just an outsiders perspective on that take. Certainly no flies buzzing on the wall over here, unfortunately.
Speaking of the aforementioned defense, there has been none. Indiana does what it can on the less glamorous end of the floor but has absolutely nothing to show for it where the truth resides: 89 opponent PPG (tied for W’s 2nd worst) x 47.0% opponent FG% (tied for 11th/15). And make no mistake, Caitlin Clark has demonstrated her best cone impersonations at times to start the szn. However, her 104.6 DRTG is tied with Jessica Shephard (more on her later) for 24th in the league on an individual level. So folks can quit killing Clark on the topic and start scoping the scene from a broader, more logical lens.
Shocker, shocker: the Fever slot in amongst the league’s worst within the category of ball security (14.8 TOPG).
Shooters are not shooting. Gang’s connection rate from distance has dipped to an icy, Drizzy 32.1% (11th/15) from last szn’s 34.6% splash clip.
Needless to say, the negatives outweigh the positives from an overall outlook thus far for the Fev Show. That being said, time is both the ultimate healer AND revealer. In terms of some possible hoopers on the open market who could help heal some of the Fever’s fatal flaws, here are a few names whose acquisitions the future could soon reveal.
¿WHO COULD HELP THE HEALING BEGIN?
CAMERON BRINK | LOS ANGELES SPARKS
HYPOTHETICAL TRADE PROPOSAL
FEVER GET: Cameron Brink = $493,851 | Team Option x $558,051 for 2027 + Emma Cannon |Expiring $277,500
SPARKS GET: Monique Billings $800,000 + 2027 1RP
WHY THE MOVE MAKES SENSE: Since her head coach Lynne Roberts raked her over the public coals for her absent performance in the Sparks’ seasoning opening loss to Las Vegas (0 points x 3 rebounds x 0 assists vs 3 turnovers x 3 fouls x 8 minutes), Cameron Brink has clearly taken that slander personally. In the 7 games following her debut stinker, CB has obviousssllyyy been playing with a chip on her shoulder: 18.7 MPG x 10.6 PPG x 4.1 RPG x 1.3 APG vs 3.4 TOPG (MUST MUST MUST CLEAN THIS UP) x 0.9 SPG x 1.7 BPG x 59.1% FG x 33.3% 3FG x 73.9% FT. The Sparks cut ties with Brinks’ fellow top-4 2024 lottery pick Rickea Jackson earlier this Spring. That was right immediately after they went out and picked up Nneka Ogwumike to shore up the team’s starting power forward spot (a spot which should have realistically been waiting for Brink). All of this tension buildup could (should almost certainly) lead to inevitable burnout between the blossoming 24-year-old big and Sparks brass. When it does (if it has not already), Amber Cox best be the first name/number popping up on Raegan Pebley’s iPhone. There actually might not be a better fit at the power forward position for this starting lineup across the entire landscape of the league. Brink’s primary pros on the court (rim protection x overall versatility) would more than help mask the fatal flaws of the team’s other future cornerstones (not pointing any fingers, CC). Blending Brink’s length x athleticism combo with Aliyah Boston’s sturdy anchor status in the paint would cement a potentially lethal backside support system on defense. The cherry on top of it all is the 6’4” Stanford product’s newfound groove as a shooter, a groove which should only stand to continue to improve as she continues to see more of her shots splash through the net. There are just wayyyyy too many freakin’ reasons why this moves makes too much freakin’ sense for it not to transpire.
If Lexie Hull don’t get her college comrade and Cox on a conference call right this second…
SANIYA RIVERS | CONNECTICUT SUN
HYPOTHETICAL TRADE PROPOSAL
FEVER GET: Saniya Rivers = $309,622 | 3 Years, $237,670 through 2028
SUN GET: Tyasha Harris $400,000 + 2027 2RP + 2028 2RP
WHY THE MOVE MAKES SENSE: Do not get it twisted, now. Getting Saniya Rivers should be a nearly impassable path. The only thing is that she plays for the Connecticut Sun, and the folks running that show up front have made some pretty puzzling decisions across recent memory (think Jacy Sheldon + Marina Mabrey and shoot even ole Hailey Van-Lith, just to throw a few names out there off the top). That in mind, the Sun do lowkey have a compiling cluster of mouths to feed in the backcourt: Leila Lecan, Van-Lith, Rivers + impressive rookies Gianna Kneepkens x Charlisse Leger-Walker. Let’s not forget that as proud (joint) owners of the league’s worst record label, the Sun also find themselves thoroughly in the thick of the actively ongoing Juju Watkins sweepstakes. With so many (less defensive-savvy) options accompanying her in skipper Rachid Meziane’s guard room and a franchise whose focus should be geared towards taking L’s all szn long, could Rivers find herself on the outside looking in of the rotation when the late season dust settles if she still finds herself suiting up for the Sun? Well don’t you worry Saniya, our girl Amber is here to save you… or at least she should be at a moment’s notice if even the slightest semblance of Rivers’ availability sniffs the surface of reality. Her jumpshot would technically make things worse in the previously noted area of outside shooting struggles (though she did shoot 34.1% from deep as a rookie last year). SHE GETS A PASS. Rivers gets a pass because by golly if she don’t play some of the most downright dogged defense you ever did see. She is the type of disruptive, in-your-grill POA defender who can genuinely drain her matchup mentally over the course of a ball game. And at her size (6’1” x 160 lbs), Rivers can capably corral most matchups 1-3 maaaayyyybbbeeee even 4 if the circumstances check out. Gimme Rivers, Lexie Hull, Raven Johnson + Sophie Cunningham as our corps of wing stoppers and let’s ride off into the sunset as we brace for battle.
If Amber Cox and Co. were to fall short in concocting any deals for both/either of those targets, they could pivot to a few ancillary options who could/should/will find themselves on the active trade market prior to the August 2nd deadline.
DIJONAI CARRINGTON | CHICAGO SKY
HYPOTHETICAL TRADE PROPOSAL
FEVER GET: DiJonai Carrington | Expiring $650,000
SPARKS GET: Tyasha Harris $400,000 + Grace VanSlooten $239,269 + 2027 2RP
WHY THE MOVE MAKES SENSE: While the world has yet to see Carrington lace ‘em up so far this szn as she works her way back from an offseason foot operation, she has kinda sorta already solidified herself amongst the ‘you know what you are going to get from them’ crowd. Her numbers will never paint her as a heavy hitter, but the significance of her impact is typically always felt outside the realm of the box score. The W’s Most Improved Player back in ‘24 continues to roll her sleeves up and get gritty each and every possession to this day defensively, and she has exuded some intriguing episodes of secondary play/shotmaking sporadically throughout her first 5 years in the association. There is no officially set timetable for her return to live action, but if her recovery is rapid enough the Fever could undoubtedly stand to benefit from her steadying presence on the floor. And with her just turning 28 back in January, she gives the same vibe as Sophie Cunningham in regards to a trusty veteran role player you probably want to keep around for awhile.
NATASHA CLOUD | CHICAGO SKY
HYPOTHETICAL TRADE PROPOSAL
FEVER GET: Natasha Cloud $555,000
SKY GET: Tyasha Harris $400,000 + Grace VanSlooten $239,269 + 2028 2RP
WHY THE MOVE MAKES SENSE: Totally forgot to mention this previously, but the Sky should also be operating from a similar rebuilding mindset as the Sun in the way that they should be aiming to gain as high a lottery pick possible given the team’s lackluster 3-5 start to the regular season. And if you are going to let them losses roll and get thick, you might as well go ahead and let them veterans go get a chip. Skylar Diggins has a firm chokehold on starting floor general duties for Chicago this year, and 2024 #5 pick Jacy Sheldon should probably be on the fast track to ascend into the responsibilities that come with that job from next year going into the foreseeable future. That means that no matter which way you really look at it from, Natasha Cloud is the odd man out on a ‘when not if’ basis. And when the time comes for the Chicago to inevitably part with the 11-year vet, you best believe Amber Cox should be contacting Jeff Pagliocca and the Sky’s front office (assuming things fell through with the Saniya Rivers idea, of course). Like Carrington, Cloud is not shy when it comes to doing her best as a pest defensively in efforts to make things uncomfortable for her assignments. Unlike Carrington, Cloud is a certified spark plug when it comes to making things happen for her teammates. Her career 5.3 APG:2.1 TOPG ratio over the course of 334 games speaks for itself. 3-guard lineups featuring Clark-Mitchell-Cloud could get a bit overwhelming for opposing defenses to contain, while Cloud’s physical nature could help balance out defensive assignments in those specific instances. If nothing more, this could be viewed as a temporary pitstop for Cloud to chase a title as Stephanie White’s 6th Man while further building her case for one last (first?) lucrative contract cash out under the league’s new CBA.
ALANNA SMITH | DALLAS WINGS
HYPOTHETICAL TRADE PROPOSAL
FEVER GET: Alanna Smith = $1,190,000 | 3 Years, $3,748,500 through 2028
WINGS GET: Monique Billings $800,000 + Tyasha Harris $400,000 + 2027 2RP + 2028 2RP
WHY THE MOVE MAKES SENSE: When news first broke of reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith’s commitment to join the Wings this offseason, it looked like a slam dunk signing for an organization already riding an upswing of momentum. But while Dallas’s scorching 6-3 start this year would not fetch the fact on the surface, the newbie Smith has clearly struggled to find her footing right from the season’s opening tip: 18.0 MPG x 3.9 PPG x 3.5 RPG x 2.1 APG vs 1.6 TOPG x 1.0 SPG x 0.5 BPG x 3.4 FPG (!!!). The Aussie has looked more or less lost when it comes to finding any sort of offensive rhythm as she continues to adapt to a new coaching staff and system alike. When she has been on the court she has been fine defensively, the end of the floor which she hangs her hat on anyways. Only problem is, she has not been able to stay out of foul trouble and on the court. Next problem (for Smith) is, 2021 #2 pick Awak Kuier has FINALLY started sprouting her WIRY wings as a 6’6” athletic animal who now knows the art of knocking down triples (7/13 from distance early on)? Did we mention that her running mate within the starting frontcourt Jessica Shepard has essentially transformed into their new team’s Lady Jokic down low? If Curt Miller could go back in time, assuredly he would evaluate other options that were available on the open market. So if Amber Cox gave him a buzz to discuss his thoughts on Monique Billings and a draft pick or two, why would Miller not seriously consider that offer even if it just meant getting out of Smith’s payroll duration? Kuier could claim the keys to a starting slot in the frontcourt depth chart (like she was going to inevitably anyways), teaming with Shepard in what could be quite a tantalizing tandem of towers. Smith, on the other hand, would be granted a(nother) fresh start and shot at redemption as she looks to justify her slightly sizable salary increase. She would for sure be looking at a heavier helping of easy looks playing with Caitlin Clark, and could come through as a seamless complement to Boston up front if she could re-discover the outside shooting touch she exhibited during the two campaigns she spent playing alongside Napheesa Collier with the Lynx (hit 35.8% of her 279 attempts from the great beyond).