RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesFever trade rumors: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Isabelle Harrison are candidates to help Caitlin Clark at deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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For all the fanfare that has been made about the Fever — from speculation about head coach Stephanie White's future to frustration over star Caitlin Clark's perceived penchant for flopping — Indiana sits at the top of the Eastern Conference at the start of the second half of the season.
Winners of seven of their last 10 games, the Fever are surging. They possess a historically-great offense spearheaded by Clark, a mercurial talent whose playmaking gifts have sizzled as of late. Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston are a tripartite unit like few others in the league. Fueled by them, Indiana projects to enjoy another lengthy postseason run — health permitting, of course.
Still, the Fever would do well to add some muscle to their roster before the Aug. 2 trade deadline. Their defense is below par, while Clark has oscillated between fragile and durable at times in her still-budding career.
So, just who could Indiana target to bolster its core at the deadline? Here are four players that could prove shred acquisitions for the Fever this year.
Fever trade targets
Wendell Cruz (USA Today Network)
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, F, Liberty
Laney-Hamilton is one of the likeliest candidates to be moved ahead of the Aug. 2 deadline. She has struggled since returning to the court after missing the entire 2025 season with a torn meniscus, seeing her averages drop across the board.
The former All-Star's athleticism has waned markedly, limiting her offensive effectiveness. She still boasts an impressive defensive reputation, however, retaining her status as New York's go-to point-of-attack defender. If New York is open to sending Laney-Hamilton elsewhere, Indiana could do a lot worse than expressing interest in her services. For all of the Fever's success, their defense has been underwhelming, posting a 109.0 defensive rating, the sixth-worst mark in the league this season.
Laney-Hamilton would represent a solid and inexpensive upgrade for White's defensive setup.
David Butler II-Imagn Images
Natasha Cloud, G, Sky
Like Laney-Hamilton, Cloud has long been considered one of the league's better defenders, earning three All-Defensive selections over the course of her career. The Sky are a sinking ship, poised to post one of the worst records in the league for the third straight year. They find themselves in free fall after dealing away their first-round picks in 2025, 2026 and 2028 while also giving the Mystics the right to swap first-round picks in 2027.
If Indiana were to dangle some draft-pick compensation to Chicago, it could perhaps acquire Cloud, a player equally adept at guarding guards and wings while also offering some additional playmaking punch for the Fever's second unit.
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Isabelle Harrison, F, Tempo
Given the Fever's defensive frailties, reinforcements on that end are much desired for White's bunch. Enter Harrison, a rangy defender whose skillset looks better served on a side contending for postseason success.
Harrison has been one of Toronto's standouts this season, averaging 13.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while sinking more than 44 percent of her threes. She would prove a notable acquisition for Indiana's bench mob, offering length and versatility next to Boston. Harrison would likely cost the Fever a pretty penny to land. However, the 32-year-old would almost certainly sew up Indiana's championship aspirations.
David Butler II-Imagn Images
Olivia Nelson-Ododa, C, Sun
With the second-worst record in the league, Connecticut is gearing up for the future. A move to Houston beckons for the Tilman Fertitta-run franchise, which is expected to invest heavily after its relocation in 2027.
Nelson-Ododa has shown flashes of excellence in recent campaigns, establishing herself as one of the Sun's better players. Her length and defensive prowess, both in the paint and on the perimeter, could shine alongside Aliyah Boston.
Nelson-Ododa's offensive repertoire isn't particularly refined. But it doesn't need to be with Boston and her 46.9% three-point shooting offering floor spacing. At 25, Nelson-Ododa is an ideal candidate for Indiana to target. It wouldn't be easy for the Fever to land her, but given Connecticut's frontcourt depth, it's plausible the Sun would be open to parting with her if the price is right.
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