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  Debate

Debate

Could Caitlin Clark's reunion with her Iowa teammate be the game-changer Indiana Fever needs?

Nalyssa Smith’s emotional message on X has surely divided the fans. One group is speculating about her departure, while the other is thinking ahead. The latter, apparently, assume that this bad news can be a good one in disguise. For them, this just might bring the Iowa besties, Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin, together. Even though nothing is confirmed as of yet, the fandom is more than excited about the prospect.

Both Clark and Martin spent four years playing together for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Hence, we can only imagine how strong their bond and partnership must have been as they led the team to back-to-back championship appearances. However, entering the WNBA split the duo. Clark went to the Indiana Fever, while Martin, drafted in the second round, headed to the Las Vegas Aces, where she developed into an exceptional role player.

Now, with Smith hinting at her departure, fans are praying for a reunion of the Iowa stars. According to the latest updates, Smith has removed ‘Indiana Fever’ from her Instagram bio, a new way to announce a separation these days. Moreover, her latest tweet also sent an indication of her leaving the franchise which ended with “#1out.” Surely, fans are mulling over them. Some are speculating that she might request a trade, which could ultimately make the duo’s reunion possible.

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“Nalyssa Smith for Kate Martin, who says no?” a fan tossed the question on social media for others to respond.

However, it just might not be possible since Indiana already has an impactful backcourt, and adding Kate Martin would not change the starting positions. Moreover, Smith is a post player, and with only Aliyah Boston remaining, Sides just might be hoping for another forward to take the role. But then again, even if these are just rumors, that hasn’t stopped fans from pouring their enthusiasm into social media.

Fans are excited over the potential Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin team-up

What’s your perspective on:

Could Caitlin Clark's reunion with her Iowa teammate be the game-changer Indiana Fever needs?

Have an interesting take?

Some basketball enthusiasts believe that while Martin is certainly a solid player, her impact won’t bring the immediate change the Fever needs to win a championship. They believe that’s something only Smith can offer the team. But one mentioned how Martin’s back-to-back champion team would be the one to deny such a trade. Of course, the ‘Sin City’ has become a new home for the rookie and is doing an amazing job expected by her veterans and Hammon. “The Aces say no but Caitlin and Kate Martin together again would be amazing,” a fan wrote.

Clark and Martin are perhaps the biggest supporters of each other. The Fever rookie even revealed that she speaks to her former teammate every day, and they both guide each other. The two might make up a good team as another netizen also voiced, “Great Trade. Somebody PLEASE MAKE IT HAPPEN.”

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While Martin averaged 2.6 PPG and 1.4 rebounds, Smith has averaged 10 PPG. Martin has made 32 game appearances. Some fans are confident that bringing Martin for Smith could mean a great upgrade for the Fever since they did lift the Hawkeyes as a team. “Done deal!! That would be a huge upgrade!!” the fan demanded.

The team had a lot of hype this year. It met the expectations reaching the playoffs after 8 years. But the dream got squashed easily after a loss to Connecticut Sun in the first round. And a partnership such as Martin and Clark might boost the morale and eventually help the Fever as this fan believes. “I say yes!!!” the netizen suggested.

If fans’ prayers are heard and Martin is able to meet the expectations, the deal could mean a blockbuster one. However, as many are speculating, everything that Fever built could go down with one wrong move. But only time will tell if this is a possibility or merely a wish for the loyalists.

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Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.