Indiana Fever Urged to Pair Top WNBA Free Agent With Caitlin Clark
The Indiana Fever have thrived since the WNBA's return after the Paris Olympics break.
Yet, despite Sue Bird's belief that the Fever will be a problem for any team in the 2024 Playoffs, the reality is that Indiana likely doesn't have enough firepower to truly contend for a WNBA Championship this season.
But with their core of consecutive No. 1 overall picks Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, Indiana looks destined to be an elite team for many years to come. In fact, they could be one top-tier player away from being a favorite to win a WNBA Championship in 2025.
And that top-tier player could be Satou Sabally.
Sabally is currently playing for the Dallas Wings (who are 6-21 on the season) but will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season ends.
The 2023 WNBA Most Improved Player and No. 2 overall pick of the 2020 WNBA Draft missed all 25 of Dallas' regular season games before the Paris Olympics break due to a shoulder injury. Since her return, Sabally has averaged 22 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3 steals per game.
X user @trendyhoopstars posted about Sabally's impending free agency on Thursday morning, writing, "At 6'4, she possesses the ability to score at all three levels, displaying her versatility by knocking down three-pointers, rebounding effectively, guarding multiple positions, and facilitating plays. Her diverse skill set and potential will make her a highly sought-after talent in free agency."
Satou Sabally will be one of the most intriguing free agents during the WNBA’s offseason.
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) August 22, 2024
The Oregon alumna will have the chance to play a maximum of 15 games this season, currently averaging (22.0) points, (6.5) rebounds, (5.5) assists, and (3.0) steals per game. Despite her… pic.twitter.com/BidoVjKxz1
And multiple Indiana Fever fans have commented and replied to the post, urging Indiana to try and sign Sabally to a deal this offseason.
Sabally's versatility and wing presence would make a perfect complement to Caitlin Clark at point guard and Aliyah Boston in the post for Indiana. This big three would not only give Indiana the youngest, most talented roster in the league, but it would also make them an instant contender for a 2025 WNBA Championship.
It would be difficult for the Fever to sign both Sabally and guard Kelsey Mitchell, who is also set to become a free agent after this season.
While both Sabally and Mitchell are great players, Sabally being two years younger and playing a position that Indiana could use some assistance at would likely make her the Fever's preferred free agency target this offseason.
GRANT YOUNG
Grant Young covers Women’s Basketball, the New York Yankees, and the New York Mets for Sports Illustrated’s ‘On SI’ sites. He holds an MFA degree in creative writing from the University of San Francisco (USF), where he also graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and played on USF’s Division I baseball team for five years. However, he now prefers Angel Reese to Angels in the Outfield.