The WNBA season resumes tomorrow after the Olympic break, marking the continuation of a landmark year for the league. Caitlin Clark’s debut with the Indiana Fever (11-15) has propelled the WNBA to surpass its lofty expectations, with record-breaking TV ratings, merchandise sales, and consistently sold-out games. This year’s WNBA Draft attracted 2.4 million viewers, setting the stage for an unprecedented season, while the All-Star game saw a 305% increase in viewership, reaching 3.44 million. As Clark aims to lead the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, she’ll need her teammates to rise to the occasion.
Trade Scenarios for Indiana
In a recent article, ESPN senior writer Kevin Pelton suggested potential trades that WNBA teams could consider before the August 20 trade deadline. One of the notable scenarios involves the Indiana Fever, who have a unique opportunity to retool their roster around rookie Caitlin Clark and sophmore Aliyah Boston. The proposed trade would send NaLyssa Smith, Katie Lou Samuelson, and a 2026 first-round pick to the Washington Mystics in exchange for Brittney Sykes and Myisha Hines-Allen. Smith, despite averaging 11.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, has found it challenging to fit into Indiana’s new offense led by Clark and Boston. Meanwhile, Samuelson has contributed 5.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game this season, but her role as a three-point specialist hasn’t provided the impact the Fever need.
Adding Sykes, one of the league’s top perimeter defenders, could alleviate some of the defensive pressure on Clark while also providing an offensive boost, as she averages 11.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Hines-Allen, who averages 8.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, would bring versatility to Indiana’s frontcourt, potentially replacing the combined impact of Samuelson and Smith.
Think about the future
This trade would not only improve the Fever’s chances for the remainder of the 2024 season but also position them for success in 2025, which could be a better year for the team considering the experience Clark will have after his first season. With Sykes and a year of development for Clark and Boston, Indiana could become a formidable team in the coming years. As the trade deadline approaches, the Fever must carefully consider this move to build a roster that can support Clark’s talents and make a serious playoff run.
In the 26 gamesCaitlin Clark has played for the Indiana Fever, she ranks third in the league in minutes played (35.2), averaging 17.1 points and leading the league with 8.2 assists per game. She has broken several records and is poised to break more, including being the first rookie to achieve a triple-double in WNBA history and setting the Fever franchise record with the most assists (19) in a game, so yes Clark is the real deal and with a better team she can achieve bigger things.
