After battling their way into the WNBA playoffs, the Indiana Fever now face a critical offseason. Following their elimination in a 107-98 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Aces, the focus shifts to roster planning – and whether some familiar faces will return.
Only three players are signed through 2026, and with free agency approaching, the front office has major calls to make, especially on Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull, two players who contributed significantly during a season defined by both progress and adversity.
Why keeping Lexie Hull should be high on Indiana’s list
As a restricted free agent, Hull gives Indiana some flexibility. The team can match any offer she receives from another franchise – an advantage that could prove crucial in retaining a strong two-way player.
Hull, 26, had a breakout year, playing in all 44 regular season games and setting career highs in multiple areas: 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. She also earned a spot in the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 league during the offseason, showing her growing value.
Head coach Stephanie White praised Hull‘s relentless effort earlier this year, saying, “The ultimate compliment to any player is that they never give you a reason to take them off the floor. That’s Lexie. She’s always working her tail off on the defensive end, doing all the little things it takes to position us for success.”
Her chemistry with Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston makes her a natural fit moving forward – and a likely priority for the Fever front office.
Cunningham’s free agency brings tougher choices
Unlike Hull, Cunningham enters unrestricted free agency, making her situation far more uncertain. Despite averaging 8.6 points per game and hitting 43.2% of her three-point attempts, her season was cut short in August by a torn MCL.
While she’s expected to be healthy by next season, questions remain about long-term durability – and cost. Cunningham has become one of the WNBA’s most marketable names, gaining attention for defending Clark during heated moments and becoming a vocal leader in the locker room.
The Fever must weigh her impact on and off the court against the financial commitment required to bring her back.
Several other players, including Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Howard, are also hitting free agency, while the WNBA expansion draft could further shake up the roster with new teams Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire entering the league.
On top of all that, the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement raises the risk of a lockout if no deal is reached.
With big-name free agents like Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson potentially on the market, the Fever have a chance to make bold moves. But before they look outward, they’ll need to make firm decisions on whether Cunningham and Hull are part of their long-term vision.
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