INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark has been somewhat reserved during this transformative offseason for the Indiana Fever. With notable changes, including Stephanie White stepping in as the head coach, Amber Cox assuming the role of general manager, and the announcement of a new practice facility, the franchise is clearly on a new trajectory. They have also secured the skills of WNBA champions DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard.
Bonner was officially welcomed to the team on Monday, and Clark voiced strong support for the recent changes made by the franchise. “These players know how to win and reach the Finals; they bring a championship pedigree that we sorely need in our locker room,” Clark expressed, emphasizing that the team not only gained exceptional talent but also strong leadership. She acknowledged that the front office prioritized bringing in such qualities.
Despite the shifts, Clark remains the central figure on the court. In an impressive season, she earned Rookie of the Year honors while shattering the WNBA record for assists in a single season, playing in front of sold-out arenas, and helping the Fever break a seven-year postseason drought. These achievements significantly elevated the franchise’s status on a national level.
Looking ahead, Clark believes that with the return of All-Star shooting guard Kelsey Mitchell and All-Star forward Aliyah Boston—who was named Rookie of the Year in 2023—the Fever has the potential to greatly improve in 2025. She is optimistic that the new additions also recognize this potential for growth. “This is the premier franchise in women’s sports, and we’re creating excitement not just within Indiana, but nationwide. The upcoming years could be monumental for us and we aim to secure championship victories,” Clark stated.
One of the critical voids filled this offseason is the addition of players with postseason experience. Just last week, Natasha Howard rejoined the Fever, a franchise that originally drafted her fifth overall in 2014. Howard is a two-time All-Star and has three championship titles to her name. Bonner, a six-time All-Star and two-time champion, is also nearing a significant personal milestone, requiring only seven more points to move into the third spot on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list. She trained with Clark before her introductory press conference, showcasing their commitment to teamwork.
At the event, although Clark was not scheduled to speak, she took the opportunity to express her excitement about training with her teammates. “I can’t wait to get in the gym and start working together on strategies and plays. We have so many options to explore, which is incredibly thrilling,” she said.
Bonner will don the number 25 jersey for the Fever, as her usual number 24 has been retired in honor of Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings. This switch allows Bonner to focus on developing a championship mindset within the team, especially with Clark and Boston as her primary teammates.
Interestingly, Clark and Bonner had crossed paths during a notable moment last season, which involved a brief confrontation during a playoff series. “It was simply a scenario of two competitive players wanting to win,” Bonner reflected. “Emotions run high in the playoffs, but I’m thrilled at the prospect of playing alongside Caitlin. We’ll mesh well together.”
As the Fever refines its roster, team management has also announced the signing of free agent guard Sydney Colson, a two-time champion, and the acquisition of guard Sophie Cunningham through a four-team deal that involved trading starting forward NaLyssa Smith. Additionally, Indiana has waived previous draft picks Grace Berger and Victaria Saxton, and reached a mutual agreement with forward Katie Lou Samuelson to part ways.
While White, Cox, and president Kelly Krauskopf have not confirmed if they will make further adjustments prior to the WNBA draft slated for April, both Clark and Bonner are optimistic about the Fever’s potential to contend for a championship. Their belief in the team’s ability to compete is evident and one of the key reasons free agents are excited to join the Fever. “Having a dynamic point guard like Caitlin makes scoring effortless, and playing alongside Kelsey and A.B. makes it even easier,” Bonner noted, remarking on the impressive turnout at the press event. “The atmosphere was incredible; it feels amazing to be here, and I look forward to delivering a product that meets the high expectations of our fans.”
