Almost the ENTIRE Fever Roster is Now GONE From 2024—Caitlin Clark Has Complaints, And Why Sometimes Change Isn’t Always Good

The Indiana Fever was supposed to be the team that changed everything for the WNBA. With Caitlin Clark as the biggest name to enter the league in years, fans from all over the country turned their eyes to Indiana, expecting a meteoric rise. But just one year later, the Fever looks nothing like the team that had so many people hyped. Almost the entire 2024 roster is gone, and what was once a promising squad is now unrecognizable.

Was this massive shake-up necessary, or has the team taken too big a risk by dismantling everything so quickly?

A New Era in Indiana—At What Cost?

When the 2024 season began, the Fever had a roster that, while young and unproven, had undeniable chemistry. The core included names like NaLyssa Smith, Kristy Wallace, Erica Wheeler, and Grace Berger, who had all played important roles throughout the season. Fast forward to 2025, and nearly all of them are gone.

Of the 12 players who suited up on opening night in 2024, only four remain.

Kelsey Mitchell
Aliyah Boston
Lexie Hull
Caitlin Clark

Everyone else? Gone.

From key starters to role players, the Fever’s front office made sweeping changes that left fans both excited and concerned. Yes, the team made some major upgrades, adding veteran talent and experienced role players. But did they have to completely dismantle the squad in the process?

The Biggest Departures—And The Most Questionable Ones

While some of the exits made sense, others left fans scratching their heads.

Grace Berger’s Departure
Berger, a promising young guard, was cut from the team in favor of Sydney Colson—a player with years of experience but questionable on-court production. Many fans felt that Berger had more potential and could have been an asset as she continued to develop.

NaLyssa Smith’s Trade
Smith, one of the Fever’s brightest young stars, was sent packing despite being a solid contributor. While the move brought in Natasha Howard, a more experienced player, it signaled a shift in direction. Smith was part of the original rebuild—now the Fever was clearly done with that strategy.

Kristy Wallace’s Exit
Wallace was a dependable player, known for her toughness and ability to contribute in multiple areas. But with her departure, the Fever essentially reset their backcourt, trusting that the new pieces they brought in would perform better.

Is This a Step Forward or a Risky Move?

On paper, the Fever did upgrade their roster.

Natasha Howard brings championship experience.
Sophie Cunningham adds shooting and energy.
DeWanna Bonner is a WNBA veteran with leadership skills.

But at what cost?

Chemistry in basketball matters. The Fever’s 2024 squad had growing pains, but they were learning how to play together. A full season under their belt, plus an offseason to build continuity, could have made them a serious contender in 2025. Instead, the team chose a near-complete overhaul, meaning they’ll have to start from scratch again.

This isn’t an expansion team—it’s a team that had an identity but chose to wipe it clean.

Will Caitlin Clark and the Fever Regret This?

Clark has already shown that she can carry a team, but even she needs consistency around her. Every great player benefits from a strong supporting cast that they can trust. Right now, Clark is stepping into a situation where she will have to build new chemistry with nearly an entirely different squad.

The Fever are betting that their veteran additions will be enough to compensate for the massive turnover. They’re hoping that experience will speed up the development process. But the WNBA is a league where continuity matters.

If this new-look team struggles out of the gate, there will be questions.

Did the Fever blow up their roster too soon?
Should they have given the 2024 group more time?
Will Clark and the new core actually work together?

Not the Only Team Making Big Changes

The Fever aren’t the only team undergoing a roster transformation.

The Phoenix Mercury have also seen a massive shake-up, with only two players from their 2024 roster remaining. The Connecticut Sun are in a similar situation, with just one or two key players sticking around. The league is changing fast, and teams are making aggressive moves to compete.

But for Indiana, the stakes are higher. They have the most talked-about player in the league. Every decision they make will be scrutinized.

If they succeed, they’ll be praised for making bold, smart moves.
If they fail, this entire offseason will be called a mistake.

Final Thoughts: The Fever Are on a Tightrope

Change isn’t always bad, but too much change too fast can lead to disaster. The Fever have placed a massive bet on experience over continuity. They believe that Clark, Boston, and Mitchell will hold the team together while veterans guide them to the playoffs.

It’s a risky strategy, and one that could define Clark’s early years in the WNBA.

One thing is for sure—this isn’t the same Fever team that fans fell in love with in 2024. Whether that’s a good or bad thing will be determined on the court.