The Indiana Fever front office is leaving no stone unturned in this free agency. It seems like they took morbid predictions personally as a lot of experts had them failing to make moves this year. That is definitely not the case, however, as Amber Cox has managed to pull off one of the biggest off-season moves of the year. Acquiring Natasha Howard immediately bettered the Fever, and adding Sophie Cunningham to that made them even better. Kelly Krauskopf, the Indiana Fever’s president of basketball operations, sat down with the media to talk about their latest signing.

Natasha Howard’s homecoming was a heartwarming moment for Fever fans. The six-two wing started her career off in Indiana, and had a productive two years, even reaching the finals. While her return was very exciting, there was a careful thought process behind signing her for the Fever. “The young group that we’re bringing back asked us to protect our locker room. Protect the culture that we’ve got started. That was very intentional,” Krauskopf said about the acquisition. She was very happy to have her, however.

What the WNBA vet will be bringing to the Fever, however, is going to be her championship experience. Howard has impeccable stats, but the fact remains that she has already reached the promised land before. On a young team, that makes all the difference. “Natasha, knowing her when she was a young player, and then watching how, y’know when you go to other teams and you help other teams win championships. That’s really something special. Everywhere she has gone, she’s won. She’s a winner. Natasha Howard is a winner.”

Playing in Indiana is an added burden for Howard though, as she will need to step up as a veteran on the biggest stage in the W. The Fever has all the eyes on them, and Caitlin Clark has all the star power in the league. Natasha Howard will have no choice but to shoulder a few extra responsibilities. Funnily enough, Krauskopf’s words had an extra, unintentional effect on social media.

All we can say for sure is that Sheryl Swoopes won’t be happy with the media attention she is getting right now!

Fans trolling Swoopes, after Natasha Howard signs to Clark-led Fever

Social media does not forgive, and it does not forget. A basic rule of thumb is to not talk down on the future face of the league, but Sheryl Swoopes did not get that memo. The former college coach has made some nasty remarks about Caitlin Clark, and none of them were justified! Fans on social media, as always, pulled no punches with the Hall-of-Famer.

After Howard’s trade, Swoopes once again got a lot of attention on her. This time, however, she didn’t really do anything to warrant it.

One user on X, reposting the video of Krauskopf’s press conference, put up an image of Swoopes. “Protect that locker room….” The caption read, mocking the former WNBA MVP.

Fans are always very creative, especially when they don’t like what is being said. However, one Twitter user pulled through with a funny comparison. “You know Sheryl Bayless is on the prowl somewhere” They said, comparing the former WNBA star to Skip Bayless. With the consistent criticism he rains on LeBron, and how similar CC is to the King, it makes sense!

It’s not surprising why Fever fans aren’t Swoopes’ biggest fans. CC has done nothing but compete during her time in the W, and to see such a respected veteran act this way? But it wasn’t all bad on social media, as a lot of fans focused on the good this signing has done.

“Natasha Howard will literally protect our player by hitting back when they get hard fouled. The days of Caitlin Clark getting shotted are over.” A Fever fan said on X. Here’s a fun fact: 17% of the league’s flagrant fouls occurred on Caitlin Clark last season. She lacked a protector, and now she has Howard alongside her. The Charles Oakley to her Michael Jordan.

Another fan said, “I love that we have the mature, seasoned veteran presence like NH on this team. Keep it business and keep it real.” It is important for player development to have a vet on the team that’s as grounded as Howard, and the young players can really stand to learn a lot! Her highlights show her grace and fluidity on the court, as well as her deep offensive bag, getting fans excited!

No matter what narrative comes up this season or what Sheryl Swoopes says, the Indiana Fever is all set to compete at the highest level! It will be interesting to see how these free-agency moves pan out for them.