January 15, 2025

Top 5 Indiana Fever Potential WNBA Free Agency Targets

As the WNBA free agency period approaches, teams are gearing up for potential roster changes that could reshape the league’s competitive landscape. For the Indiana Fever, who are in a rebuilding phase following a period of struggle, this free agency presents a crucial opportunity to add impactful players who can help accelerate the franchise’s return to playoff contention. The Fever are currently undergoing a youth movement, led by their promising draft picks and developing players. However, adding experienced talent via free agency could be the key to achieving sustained success.

In this analysis, we will explore five potential WNBA free agency targets for the Indiana Fever, examining their skill sets, fit within the team, and how they could contribute to the Fever’s future growth.

1. Allisha Gray (Dallas Wings)

Position: Guard
Height: 6’0″
2024 Stats (as of season end): 16.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.6 SPG

Allisha Gray is one of the most dynamic guards in the WNBA today and would be an incredible acquisition for the Indiana Fever. Gray has long been known for her defensive tenacity and ability to stretch the floor offensively. A versatile player, she can play both on and off the ball, providing the Fever with a scoring option and facilitating for teammates when necessary. With her ability to shoot from deep (career 35% from beyond the arc), she would immediately upgrade Indiana’s perimeter shooting.

Fit with the Indiana Fever: Indiana currently lacks a proven perimeter scorer. Adding Gray would give the team a capable primary scorer and a versatile defender who could guard multiple positions. Additionally, her playmaking ability would ease the ball-handling duties on the court and allow younger players like NaLyssa Smith or Emily Engstler to focus on other areas of their games. Her defensive prowess also aligns well with head coach Christie Sides’ emphasis on building a more competitive and defensive-minded team. If the Fever can lure Gray away from the Dallas Wings, she could be the veteran presence this young team needs.

Why Gray Makes Sense:

  • Defensive intensity
  • Perimeter scoring and floor spacing
  • Leadership and veteran presence
  • Ability to play multiple roles offensively

2. Courtney Williams (Phoenix Mercury)

Position: Guard
Height: 5’8″
2024 Stats (as of season end): 14.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.4 SPG

Courtney Williams is one of the most fiery and competitive guards in the league. A former All-Star with the Atlanta Dream, Williams offers a scoring punch and a high-energy play style that would be a great fit for a young Indiana team looking to add toughness and leadership. Known for her mid-range game, Williams can score in isolation or off the dribble. She also excels in transition and brings grit and passion to every game she plays.

Fit with the Indiana Fever: The Fever need a player who can consistently generate offense, and Williams is known for her scoring ability. In addition to her offense, Williams’ tenacious defense and hustle would mesh well with Indiana’s young core, helping set a tone of competitive play. Williams can also serve as a stabilizing presence for younger players like Kelsey Mitchell, who can focus more on scoring and less on creating offense for others. Williams has proven she can be the go-to player for a team in need of leadership, and that kind of mentorship would be invaluable for the Fever’s young guards and wings.

Why Williams Makes Sense:

  • Scoring consistency
  • Defensive tenacity
  • Leadership and mentorship for younger players
  • Tough, competitive style that aligns with Indiana’s rebuilding ethos

3. Brionna Jones (Connecticut Sun)

Position: Center
Height: 6’6″
2024 Stats (as of season end): 12.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 0.9 APG

Brionna Jones has firmly established herself as one of the best post players in the league. She was a key part of the Connecticut Sun’s run to the WNBA Finals and has continued to impress as a dominant force in the paint. Known for her scoring in the low post, ability to rebound, and shot-blocking ability, Jones would be a perfect fit for the Fever as they continue to develop their inside game.

Fit with the Indiana Fever: Indiana’s frontcourt is promising, with NaLyssa Smith emerging as a key player. However, adding someone of Jones’ caliber in the post could solidify the team’s interior presence and give them a true anchor in the paint. Jones would help elevate the Fever’s rebounding efforts, which have been a weakness in recent seasons. Additionally, her ability to score in the paint would complement the team’s offensive balance, and she could form an effective duo with Smith in the frontcourt. Defensively, Jones would provide a shot-blocking presence that the Fever sorely need.

Why Jones Makes Sense:

  • Elite post presence on both ends of the floor
  • Strong rebounder and shot-blocker
  • Can provide inside scoring to complement outside shooters
  • Adds veteran experience to Indiana’s frontcourt

4. Tiffany Hayes (Atlanta Dream)

Position: Guard
Height: 5’10”
2024 Stats (as of season end): 12.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.1 SPG

Tiffany Hayes is one of the most skilled guards in the WNBA, and although she has faced some injury concerns in recent years, she remains one of the most dangerous players when healthy. Hayes is a versatile scoring threat who can shoot from the outside, drive to the basket, and create for her teammates. She also has a knack for making clutch plays, which could be crucial for a young Fever team trying to close out games.

Fit with the Indiana Fever: Hayes brings veteran experience and scoring ability to an Indiana team that has been rebuilding around younger players like Mitchell, Smith, and Engstler. She would add another offensive weapon to a team in need of consistent scoring from multiple positions. Her ability to score in a variety of ways would ease some of the pressure on the younger players to create offense. Furthermore, Hayes is an experienced ball handler who can take on some of the playmaking responsibilities and reduce the burden on Indiana’s primary ball handlers.

Why Hayes Makes Sense:

  • Versatile scorer with the ability to shoot and drive
  • Experience and leadership for a young team
  • Strong playmaker capable of running offense
  • Ability to take over games in clutch moments

5. Natasha Cloud (Washington Mystics)

Position: Guard
Height: 6’0″
2024 Stats (as of season end): 9.5 PPG, 7.3 APG, 4.2 RPG, 1.7 SPG

Natasha Cloud is one of the top playmakers in the WNBA and could be exactly what the Indiana Fever need in terms of leadership and distributing the basketball. Cloud has been one of the league’s best point guards for years, and her vision, basketball IQ, and defensive prowess would immediately elevate Indiana’s overall play. While not known for her scoring ability, Cloud’s ability to create opportunities for her teammates is unparalleled, and her defensive skills would help set the tone for the Fever.

Fit with the Indiana Fever: Cloud would be a great fit as a point guard for the Fever, giving them someone who can facilitate the offense and run the floor. Her ability to rack up assists while maintaining excellent defense and court awareness would be a tremendous asset to the team. Additionally, Cloud’s leadership qualities and communication on both ends of the floor would help guide the younger players. While the Fever are building a scoring-centric team, Cloud’s playmaking ability would help maximize the potential of all of Indiana’s players.

Why Cloud Makes Sense:

  • Elite playmaking and basketball IQ
  • Strong defender with leadership qualities
  • Helps facilitate offense for younger players
  • Ability to raise the team’s overall court awareness

 

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