CAITLIN CLARK is single handedly carrying the INDIANA FEVER to the playoffs.

Caitlin Clark eyes playoff push as Indiana Fever consider game changing trades before the deadline

The Indiana Fever will play on Friday at home against the Phoenix Mercury.

Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark (22) makes a pass as New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart (30) defendsAP

The WNBA season resumes tomorrow, following the Olympic break that interrupted a historic year for the league. With Caitlin Clark’s arrival at the Indiana Fever (11-15), the WNBA has exceeded its high expectations, achieving record-breaking ratings, merchandise sales, and consistent sold-out arenas. This year’s WNBA Draft, watched by 2.4 million viewers, set the stage for a historic season, with the All-Star game drawing 3.44 million viewers-a 305% increase from last year. Clark will look to help the Fever secure their first playoff appearance since 2016, but she will need her team to step up to make it happen.

Trade Scenarios for Indiana

In a recent article, ESPN senior writer Kevin Pelton suggested potential trades that WNBA teams could consider before the August 20 trade deadline. One of the notable scenarios involves the Indiana Fever, who have a unique opportunity to retool their roster around rookie Caitlin Clark and sophmore Aliyah Boston. The proposed trade would send NaLyssa Smith, Katie Lou Samuelson, and a 2026 first-round pick to the Washington Mystics in exchange for Brittney Sykes and Myisha Hines-Allen. Smith, despite averaging 11.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, has found it challenging to fit into Indiana’s new offense led by Clark and Boston. Meanwhile, Samuelson has contributed 5.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game this season, but her role as a three-point specialist hasn’t provided the impact the Fever need.

Adding Sykes, one of the league’s top perimeter defenders, could alleviate some of the defensive pressure on Clark while also providing an offensive boost, as she averages 11.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Hines-Allen, who averages 8.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, would bring versatility to Indiana’s frontcourt, potentially replacing the combined impact of Samuelson and Smith.

Think about the future

MORE in MARCA

‘Nuttin Butt Azz’ tournament cancelled in Newark HS for promotion featuring a video of women twerking wildly | MarcaMarca

Mia Khalifa celebrates Henry Kissinger’s death with a promo on her OnlyFans: ByeBitch | MarcaMarca

This trade would not only improve the Fever’s chances for the remainder of the 2024 season but also position them for success in 2025, which could be a better year for the team considering the experience Clark will have after his first season. With Sykes and a year of development for Clark and Boston, Indiana could become a formidable team in the coming years. As the trade deadline approaches, the Fever must carefully consider this move to build a roster that can support Clark’s talents and make a serious playoff run.

In the 26 gamesCaitlin Clark has played for the Indiana Fever, she ranks third in the league in minutes played (35.2), averaging 17.1 points and leading the league with 8.2 assists per game. She has broken several records and is poised to break more, including being the first rookie to achieve a triple-double in WNBA history and setting the Fever franchise record with the most assists (19) in a game, so yes Clark is the real deal and with a better team she can achieve bigger things.