Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark Receives Unexpected Offer on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 4:00 PM ET

Caitlin Clark closed out her second WNBA season under difficult circumstances, as injuries limited her availability after a historic rookie campaign. Clark dealt with multiple setbacks during the year, including leg and groin issues, and was eventually shut down as the Indiana Fever prioritized her long-term health.

Despite the interruptions, Clark remained one of the league’s most visible figures and will remain a central part of Indiana’s core alongside Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell.

Clark is now preparing for her third WNBA season, though uncertainty remains across the league amid ongoing CBA negotiations and the possibility of a lockout. The WNBA’s scheduled May 9 return date is still more than three months away, leaving players navigating the offseason without full clarity on next steps.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

During that time, Clark has continued to expand her profile away from the court and has kept herself busy through media appearances. On Sunday, she will make her broadcast debut as a special contributor on NBC Sports’ “Basketball Night in America” ahead of the network’s Sunday Night Basketball launch at Madison Square Garden, where the Los Angeles Lakers will face the New York Knicks.

Ahead of her appearance, Mychal Thompson, the father of Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson and a former Lakers center himself, jokingly floated an idea on X.

“Caitlin Clark’s gonna be at our (Lakers) game tonight… Hmmmm… Ya no since she’ll be there maybe we can sign her to a 10-day contract,” Thompson wrote. “All we need is for her to shoot corner 3s… Luka’d set her up for them.”

Caitlin Clarks gonna be at our(Laker)game tonight…Hmmmm…Ya no since she’ll be there maybe we(Lakers)can sign her to a 10 day contract…All we(Lakers)need is for her to shoot corner 3s…Luka’d set her up for them…
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) February 1, 2026

He later added that Clark would need a different jersey number, noting that Elgin Baylor’s No. 22 is retired.

The tongue-in-cheek post played off the Lakers’ ongoing need for floor spacing and reliable perimeter shooting. His comments also underscore Clark’s crossover appeal as she awaits the next chapter of her WNBA career.

The Knicks are seeking their sixth straight win when they welcome Luka Doncic and the Lakers to MSG, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: