The Indiana Fever must supplement their young core with bona fide WNBA talent, and reigning DPOY Alanna Smith fits the bill.
One of the biggest Australian stars in the WNBA Alanna Smith made headlines on Tuesday when it was revealed that she will test the free agent market. The seven-year veteran was eligible for a supermax contract but was not cored by the Minnesota Lynx, where she spent the last two seasons.
Smith said she wants to explore her options outside of Minnesota. This news comes on the same day that the Lynx confirmed their decision to core franchise cornerstone Napheesa Collier.
“I’m open to any opportunity. I think it’s about best fit. I loved Minnesota, but a lot of teams are looking different this year so I think I’d be doing a disservice to myself if I wasn’t exploring other opportunities,” Smith said.
Teams across the WNBA are likely to pay top dollar for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and one team that could benefit the most is the Indiana Fever.
When looking at Indiana’s frontcourt, it is fair to argue that it could use a massive boost. Bringing in a player like Alanna Smith would instantly elevate them into a championship-caliber team, as she is an elite defender, a strong rim protector, and also offers plenty on the offensive end when playing at her best. She demonstrated that this past season with the Lynx, finishing second in steals (135) and third in blocks (1.9 per game). She also shot 32.9% from three-point range while attempting 3.8 shots per game.
If the Fever signed Smith, she could form a perfect duo alongside Aaliyah Boston and create a formidable frontcourt pairing. She is also comfortable in her offensive role, which would give the Fever multiple options to work with.
The Fever already have a talented core featuring Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull, with Sophie Cunningham and Makayla Timpson bridging the gap between them and a group of veterans. This team has the potential to become one of the most potent offensive units, but the addition of a bona fide talent like Smith would be huge especially during the playoffs. The question, however, is what the cost would be for the 28-year-old Australian forward, who is now eligible for a supermax contract worth around $1.4 million annually.
The Fever currently have over $3 million in cap space to work with. If both sides are willing to agree on a fair price, Smith could be the final piece for a Fever team capable of making a deep postseason run.
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