A potential trade idea circulating among fans proposes reuniting Caitlin Clark with her former Iowa teammate, Kate Martin, on the Indiana Fever. The Fever’s season came to an end after a loss to the Connecticut Sun, but their future still looks promising, as they just completed one of the most historic seasons in WNBA history. However, the team may be facing changes, as third-year player NaLyssa Smith has hinted at a possible departure. After posting a heartfelt message on social media, she removed the Fever from her Instagram bio, suggesting she could be seeking a trade, despite not being a free agent this offseason.
With Smith potentially on her way out, some fans have proposed a trade to bring Las Vegas Aces rookie Kate Martin to Indiana. The idea has gained traction due to the chemistry Clark and Martin displayed during their time together at Iowa, where they were beloved by fans. A reunion of these two players on the Fever would certainly be exciting from a fan perspective.
However, while the trade might boost team chemistry, it may not be the most practical move for the Fever. The team already boasts two strong young players and would likely seek someone who can make an immediate impact on the court. Unfortunately, Martin’s stats from her rookie season with the Aces—2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game—suggest she might not offer that kind of immediate boost. Although Martin has potential, her addition might not significantly strengthen the Fever, especially if they lose Smith.
In contrast, Smith has been a crucial contributor for Indiana. This season, she averaged over 10 points and 7 rebounds per game, along with being a solid defender. Despite these numbers representing a dip from her previous season’s average of 15 points per game, Smith’s overall performance shows her value to the team. Losing her would leave a significant gap, and Martin may not be the answer to fill it, particularly if the Fever are aiming for a championship push.