The Indiana Fever ended their eight-year playoff drought with a memorable season, marking their return to postseason action. Although they were eliminated in the first round by the Connecticut Sun, the record-breaking viewership showcased the undeniable impact of their 2024 No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark, whose star power and growing fandom continue to shine.

With thousands of those eyes on it now, the Indianapolis franchise now faces a pivotal decision as it prepares to shape its future. With the WNBA Expansion Draft for the Golden State Valkyries on the horizon, the Fever can protect six players from their roster. Today, we delve into the players they might prioritize keeping.

Caitlin Clark

It’s a no-brainer that Clark will be the top name the Fever prioritizes for the protected list. The Fever #22 led the team with back-to-back 25+ point games and broke the record for most three-pointers made in a season. She also shared the title of the Fever’s top scorer in the regular season, averaging 19.2 points alongside Kelsey Mitchell.

She also claimed the ROTY award and made it to the All-WNBA First team. Having signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $76,000 annually, the Iowa alum is likely an easy choice for the Fever to secure.

Lexie Hull

The 25-year-old guard, a first-round pick in the 2022 draft by the Indianapolis franchise, has shown tremendous growth after a challenging start to her career. While she only started four games during her rookie season, her performance in 2024 marked a significant turnaround.

She earned a spot in the Fever’s starting lineup, replacing Kristy Wallace and Grace Berger, and delivered clutch moments, including a standout 22-point game against the Seattle Storm in August. Additionally, her strong chemistry with Caitlin Clark makes her a likely candidate for the Fever’s protected list.

Aliyah Boston

Much like Caitlin Clark’s rise in 2024, Aliyah Boston justified her No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 draft with an exceptional rookie season, earning Rookie of the Year honors. Boston maintained her stellar form even after Clark joined the team, starting all 40 games in 2024 while averaging 14 points and 8.9 rebounds.

Known for her dominant post presence, Boston excels in short-roll situations, is a standout rebounder, and thrives in the Fever’s new up-tempo offensive system. These qualities make her an obvious choice for the Fever’s protected list.

Kelsey Mitchell

The 28-year-old veteran Kelsey Mitchell presents one of the most intriguing decisions for the Fever’s protected list, given the uncertainties surrounding her future. Currently playing abroad in the WCBA, Mitchell has been the franchise’s top scorer for seven consecutive seasons and stands out as the longest-tenured starter on the team.

A cornerstone of the Fever, she has consistently led the roster in scoring, with the exception of two seasons. Her chemistry with rookie Caitlin Clark in the backcourt has been impressive, making their partnership a valuable asset. With this dynamic duo in mind, protecting Mitchell in the expansion draft seems like a logical priority for the Fever.

NaLyssa Smith

Smith, who joined the Fever in 2022, is one of the few forwards on the roster. While there were moments in the season when her playing time was limited and she spent time on the bench, she still managed to start 37 out of 40 games.

Although her season farewell post sparked rumors about her potential departure, and the criticism from the fans has been prominent, the Fever’s continued involvement with Smith in their post-season activities suggests they may want to keep her on the team. There is also a possibility of a trade later in the off season. But for now, “She’s a part of our team,” in Kelly Krauskopf’s words.

Temi Fagbenle

At 32 years old, she is one of the league’s veterans and one of the few players on the Fever roster in her early thirties. Despite this, she has had a significant impact, particularly coming off the bench. When injuries or lack of form affected other players, she stepped up and even started a few games, making the most of those opportunities to prove her worth.

In 2024, she appeared in 22 games and averaged 6.4 points. This was her first season with the team after returning to professional play following a five-year hiatus. Given her experience, the Indianapolis franchise may be reluctant to part with such a valuable player.

Katie Lou Samuelson, Damiris Dantas, Erica Wheeler, Kristy Wallace, and Grace Berger, are a few names that may not be in protected players list. The Golden State Valkyries will have the option to select just one from this group on Friday. As the Fever gear up for the WNBA Expansion Draft, their choices will be crucial in shaping the team’s future, with a focus on securing key players like Clark, Boston, and Mitchell to build a strong foundation.