The Indiana Fever is going through a major rebuild at the moment. After making some big moves in free-agency, the Caitlin Clark-led team is making sure that they are ready for success. Kelly Krauskopf and Amber Cox added veteran presence in the locker room through Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner. However, to make room for new talent, they also have to move pieces around.

After four moves, inclusive of NaLyssa Smith and Katie Lou Samuelson, the Fever now bid goodbye to their veteran of 10 seasons, Erica Wheeler.

This was one of the hard ones that Indiana had to make. The WNBA veteran came off the bench for the Fever and put up averages of 3.6 pts, 1.8ast, and 1.4reb last year. What hurt Indiana, however, was the amount of money she was making. The vet was on a 2-year contract worth over $400,000!

Recently, news broke that Wheeler had signed with the Seattle Storm. Indiana got the cap space that it needed, and the vet got a new team that is happy to have her. A win-win situation. But that might not have been the name fans were hoping to pop up.

Fever fans have needed one more piece to be moved–Kristy Wallace. The 29-year-old guard is on the last year of her rookie contract, making around $80,000 per year. It isn’t a huge amount but fans want fresh talent for that amount of money.

The issue with Kristy Wallace, however, is that it is difficult to find a trade for her. Her averages at 4.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists, haven’t been impressive enough to warrant interest, and the Fever cannot justify a buyout. So a few have come to terms with the the guard adorning the Fever jersey for another year. Now, they will also have to settle for not seeing Wheeler share the court with Caitlin Clark & Co.

The veteran has played 6 years for Indiana, on and off. Her 2,500th career point, 1,000th career assist, and near-300 regular season games, all came with the Fever. “Erica’s capacity to create plays and facilitate points is a huge add for our team,” Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn says. “She brings a strong dedication to the game and is an incredible teammate.” Her loss will certainly be felt. But the Fever are doing every bit fill gaps.

Championship on Indiana Fever mind, still have moves left

Indiana Fever had a strong core to begin the season in Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston. But what Stephanie White and the management was set on, was the experience. They needed players with championships and for veteran leadership. Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner just hit the mark.

“I want to win another championship… I’m a winner. I’ve always been a winner, and there’s no greater feeling.” That’s the drive that has kept the 3x Sixth Women of the Year going. For Amber Cox, Howard is a proven winner. Someone who can make for a great veteran presence in the locker room. She has three championships to her name, Bonner two, and Sydney Colson two. The Fever seemed to have tick off their ‘championship experience’ box that White emphasized early in the off season. But they don’t seem to be done yet.

After Katie Lou Samuelson’s move, the franchise had  $117,000 in cap space and two roster spots open. That, however, wouldn’t have been enough for Fever considering the minimum salary is around $66,000. But with Wheeler adorning a new jersey, looks like the team has more in store. They could also make mid-season moves in case of lower-than-minimum salary cap space. For now, Indiana Fever is looking well into ‘championship contender’ talks.