The Indiana Fever, despite maintaining a top-tier offense in 2026, fell short in the playoffs, exiting in the first round against the Las Vegas Aces. With stars Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark anchoring the lineup, the team’s offensive firepower is expected to remain strong, especially if they re-sign Kelsey Mitchell.
However, the Fever’s defensive struggles—ranking ninth in defensive rating last season—pose a critical challenge. To address this, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus has proposed a trade pairing Clark with Ariel Atkins, a two-time All-Star and five-time All-Defense selection known for her elite defensive track record.
The trade would involve sending forward Monique Billings, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Atkins and a 2027 second-round selection. While Atkins’ offensive production has dipped in recent years, her defensive versatility and ability to play guard or forward could complement Clark’s playmaking, potentially improving her three-point shooting efficiency from 28.2% in 2026 to her prior career high of 36.1%.
Financial constraints and draft capital make the deal complex, but the Fever’s need for defensive upgrades could drive them to explore this option.
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