The highest-paid player on the Indiana Fever responds in one word to a significant change in the rival WNBA team.
The highest-paid player on the Indiana Fever responds in one word to a significant change in the rival WNBA team.
The Minnesota Lynx’s Bold Moves for a Comeback in 2025
The Minnesota Lynx have long been synonymous with success in the WNBA, but their 2024 season has sparked speculation about whether they’ve hit a plateau. Despite a strong campaign that led them to the finals, the Lynx fell short of claiming their fifth WNBA title, losing to the New York Liberty (3-2). Determined to reestablish themselves as championship frontrunners, the Lynx made significant changes in the offseason, including hiring high-profile coaches to revamp their strategies and inject new energy into the team—moves that have caught the attention of rivals across the league.
A notable response came from Indiana Fever star Erica Wheeler, who reacted to the Lynx’s coaching overhaul with a succinct post on Threads: “Minnesota.” While brief, the post was widely interpreted as recognition of the Lynx’s ambitious efforts, reflecting the respect and competitive tension between the two franchises.
To strengthen their coaching staff, the Lynx brought in franchise legend Lindsay Whalen as an assistant coach and former Washington Mystics head coach Eric Thibault as associate head coach to support Cheryl Reeve. Head coach Reeve expressed optimism about the new additions, saying, “We worked hard to put our best foot forward for [our players] because we continue to have big goals for this group. I think this staff is well-positioned to help us get there” (via ESPN).
The Lynx aim to improve team cohesion and maximize the potential of stars like Napheesa Collier, the cornerstone of their offense. Collier praised Whalen’s leadership, sharing, “She was really supportive. Always congratulating after a good game, or saying we got this after a loss… just really had that supportive role this whole time” (via ESPN). With these coaching changes, the Lynx are gearing up for a deeper playoff run in 2025, hoping to recapture the dominance they’ve enjoyed in years past.
Erica Wheeler’s Challenging Season and a Look Ahead
Erica Wheeler has become a foundational player for the Indiana Fever since joining the team in 2023. Her leadership and playmaking abilities earned her the distinction of being the team’s highest-paid player in 2024, with a salary of $444,308. However, the 33-year-old struggled to showcase her usual elite performance, averaging just 3.6 points and 1.4 rebounds per game across 39 appearances. These underwhelming stats were largely attributed to injuries that plagued her throughout the season.
A particularly notable injury occurred during a game against the Connecticut Sun late in the season. In a dramatic attempt to make a buzzer-beater, Wheeler launched herself into courtside photographers and landed awkwardly, sustaining an injury that forced her to exit the game briefly. Although she returned in the third quarter, she managed only two points that night, underscoring her physical struggles.
Despite these setbacks, Wheeler’s competitive spirit remains undeterred. The challenges of 2024 may serve as motivation for the upcoming season, as she looks to bounce back and help the Fever climb the standings. For a player of her caliber, redemption could be just around the corner, fueling both her personal goals and her team’s ambitions.
