With the WNBA offseason fully upon us, veteran guard Sophie Cunningham is among the top storylines unfolding as free agency looms and the Indiana Fever look to make some difficult roster decisions.
A relentless defender, a perimeter sharpshooter and a fiery competitor, Cunningham is in the prime of her career and one of the best available free agents on the market.
From Indiana’s perspective, the decision rests on whether the Fever want to pay a premium for veteran leadership and shooting while also sacrificing some room to maneuver their salary cap as they set around their No. 1 pick to close the season.
All of the league’s front offices are tracking the Fever’s approach to Cunningham’s market value and availability as clubs piece together more balance and shooting on their rosters going into the new season.
Especially for Indiana, it’s a nuanced proposition as the franchise aims to craft a sustainable contender that can contend and compete in the playoffs for years to come.
Finding that long-term perimeter complement for an emerging star to go along with championship experience is tantalizing, but the timing is imperative for the front office in this scenario.
Finally, the way the Indiana Fever handle Sophie Cunningham’s free agency might just determine the biggest move of the offseason – and all of the ripple effects that come with it.
In the middle of trade talk and front-office calls, the league is watching to find out where the veteran guard will play this season. Wherever she ends up, Cunningham’s team will have a ripple effect, changing the playoff picture in big ways.