In the 2024 WNBA playoffs, the Indiana Fever’s season came to an end on Wednesday night following their 87-81 loss to the Connecticut Sun in Game 2.
It was undoubtedly a fantastic year for the Fever despite the early exit. Indiana was able to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2016 thanks to the leadership of its All-Star trio of Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Caitlin Clark.
They also broke records for sales and viewership. But now that Mitchell’s contract has expired, the Fever head into the offseason with a few unanswered issues, chief among them being whether she would rejoin the team.
On the other hand, forward NaLyssa Smith might have hinted subtly that she would be leaving Indianapolis after being eliminated.
On Thursday, according to Clark Report on X, Smith removed the Fever tag from her Instagram bio, leaving only the WNBA tag in it.
Smith won’t be attempting to leave Indiana through free agency if he does. With one year left on her rookie deal, the former Baylor Bears standout was picked in 2022. With the Fever, her projected income in 2025 is $91,981. However, Smith might be a desirable trade prospect for Indiana if acquired. Smith might be selected in the expansion draft by the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest franchise, if Indiana is unable to locate any trade partners.
During the 2024 regular season, Smith started in all but three games, averaging 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds. In Game 2 against the Connecticut Sun, Fever coach Christie Sides elected to have Smith come off the bench and put Temi Fagbenle in the starting spot. This move could have been a hint of foreshadowing for the Fever.
