Indiana Fever Urged to Trade For 3-Time All-Star to Pair With Caitlin Clark

Why the Trade Makes Sense for Both Parties

Escobedo points to Sabally’s unique skill set as the driving factor, with the size to match frontcourt threats, playmaking to complement Clark’s pull-the-trigger style and perimeter shooting to deter defenses from sagging into the paint.

At 6-foot-4, Sabally can post up smaller defenders and knock down mid-range jumpers. In pick-and-pop situations, her gravity would open driving lanes for Clark, freeing up space for Aliyah Boston to man the interior wall.

While her shooting efficiency is down this season, in 2024, her career-high 45.2% 3-point percentage ranked second in the league among players with at least 75 attempts, behind only Stefanie Dolson, making her a coveted upgrade for teams seeking a modern, switchable forward.

With Clark as the primary creator, Sabally as the secondary playmaker/spacing threat and Boston anchoring the paint, the Fever would have a deadly multi-dimensional attack going into the postseason.

Plus, with her contract expiring after 2025, Indiana could negotiate a longer deal if the fit clicks, all while retaining cap flexibility in the short term.

From Phoenix’s vantage point, trading Sabally now mitigates the risk of losing her for nothing in free agency.

Sabally had recently been away from the team for personal reasons and her role has wavered amid a right ankle injury and inconsistency, averaging just 10.4 points and 3.0 rebounds over her five games back from injury post All-Star break.

Adding a future first–round pick also ensures tangible value rather than gambling on retaining Sabally without compensation.

Indiana Fever Motivations and League Context

Indiana’s frontcourt depth has been tested this season.

Beyond starters Boston and Howard, the bench lacks a reliable stretch-four who can consistently threaten from deep.

Howard has delivered veteran consistency, averaging 6.8 rebounds and providing impact defensively, but her offensive upside is limited (11.6 points per game).

Furthermore, league–leading teams have already bolstered their rosters ahead of the deadline, with the Minnesota Lynx acquiring DiJonai Carrington for their title push and the Liberty signing Finals MVP Emma Meesseman to a rest-of-season contract.

Minnesota sits at 24-5 and New York at 18-10, showing that contenders aren’t waiting.

As the 3 p.m. ET deadline approaches on Thursday, Indiana’s decision will signal how far the franchise is willing to go to support its young core of All-Stars.