In a strategic move during the WNBA offseason, the Indiana Fever have significantly bolstered their roster by acquiring guard Sophie Cunningham from the Phoenix Mercury. This acquisition was part of a complex three-team trade involving the Fever, the Mercury, and the Dallas Wings, aimed at enhancing team dynamics and performance.
**Trade Details and Team Involvement**
The trade’s specifics are as follows:
– **Indiana Fever**: Received guard Sophie Cunningham and the 19th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft from the Phoenix Mercury.
– **Phoenix Mercury**: Acquired forward Satou Sabally, center Kalani Brown, and the rights to Sevgi Uzun from the Dallas Wings.
– **Dallas Wings**: Gained guard Ty Harris, forward NaLyssa Smith, the rights to Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, and the 8th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft from the Indiana Fever.
This trade reflects each team’s strategic efforts to address specific needs and strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season. citeturn0news27
**Sophie Cunningham’s Professional Journey**
Sophie Cunningham, a 6-foot-1 guard, was selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft. Over six seasons with the Mercury, she established herself as a reliable contributor, averaging 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 42.2%. Her standout season came in 2022, where she posted career highs of 12.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, shooting 44.9% from the field.
Before her professional career, Cunningham had a distinguished tenure at the University of Missouri. She became the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,186 points and was instrumental in leading the Tigers to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Her collegiate success earned her AP All-America honors, highlighting her as one of the nation’s top players. citeturn0search6
**Impact on the Indiana Fever**
The addition of Sophie Cunningham is a strategic move by the Indiana Fever to enhance their backcourt depth and offensive versatility. Known for her competitive spirit and three-point shooting prowess—averaging 36.2% from beyond the arc during her career—Cunningham is expected to complement the team’s existing talents, including standout guard Caitlin Clark. Her experience and leadership qualities are anticipated to contribute significantly to the Fever’s pursuit of a championship. citeturn0search1
Cunningham expressed enthusiasm about joining the Fever, stating, “I have a lot of really great players around me to, you know, seriously, go win a championship.” Her positive outlook and readiness to embrace a leadership role align with the Fever’s objectives for the upcoming season. citeturn0search1
**Roster Adjustments and Strategic Outlook**
As part of the trade, the Fever parted ways with forward NaLyssa Smith, who was sent to the Dallas Wings. Smith’s departure comes after a tenure marked by both promise and challenges, including expressed frustrations over playing time. The Fever’s decision to trade Smith underscores their commitment to reshaping the roster to better align with the team’s strategic vision. citeturn0search2
The Fever’s offseason moves, including the acquisition of Cunningham and the signing of two-time All-Star forward Natasha Howard, demonstrate a proactive approach to building a competitive and balanced team. These additions aim to provide a blend of experience and skill, positioning the Fever as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference. citeturn0search4
**Conclusion**
The Indiana Fever’s acquisition of Sophie Cunningham represents a calculated effort to strengthen their roster through strategic trades and signings. Cunningham’s proven track record, coupled with her leadership qualities, is expected to have a positive impact on the team’s performance. As the Fever prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of new talent reflects their dedication to achieving success and competing at the highest level in the WNBA.
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