Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham expresses excitement about joining her new team following a significant trade from the Phoenix Mercury. As a 3-and-D player with a career average of 7.7 points and 2.7 rebounds, Cunningham believes the Fever’s roster is primed for success, aiming for a championship. The trade included sending NaLyssa Smith to Dallas and acquiring Jaelyn Brown. Cunningham appreciates the team’s culture and fast-paced offense, which aligns with her style. With the addition of players with playoff experience, the Fever seeks to build on their recent playoff appearance and foster strong relationships among teammates.
Guard Sophie Cunningham on Fever roster ‘It’s turning heads’
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham discusses how strong the roster is.
- Sophie Cunningham was obtained through a trade that sent NaLyssa Smith to Dallas, alongside the Fever’s No. 8 overall draft pick to Connecticut.
- A versatile 3-and-D wing, Cunningham has averaged 7.7 points and 2.7 rebounds throughout her career.
INDIANAPOLIS — Sophie Cunningham was enjoying some time by the pool, a common retreat during Phoenix’s warm weather, when she received the news.
She was traded from the Mercury to the Indiana Fever — potentially the most exciting team in the league at this moment — as part of the largest deal in WNBA history.
“If I’m not in the gym, I’m usually by the pool,” Cunningham shared with reporters at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday morning. “I was actually by the pool when I heard the news. It was an emotional moment since I’ve been in Phoenix for such a long time, but honestly, my first thought was ‘yes, we’re on our way to winning a championship.’”
The trade officially took place on February 2. Along with Cunningham, the Fever welcomed Jaelyn Brown, who is on a training camp contract, from the Dallas Wings, while NaLyssa Smith moved to Dallas and the Fever sent the No. 8 pick in the 2025 draft to Connecticut.
Cunningham, who is 28, enters her seventh WNBA season. She was chosen by the Mercury as the No. 13 pick in the 2019 draft and has spent her entire career in Phoenix. Serving as a part-time starter, she has recorded an average of 7.7 points and 2.7 rebounds over her career.
She initially signed a one-year extension with the Mercury for the 2025 season, earning a salary of $100,000, but with significant roster changes occurring in both Phoenix and Indiana, she will embark on a new journey closer to her family and her alma mater in Missouri.
“I’m beyond excited, truly thrilled,” Cunningham expressed. “I find it refreshing. I’ve been in Phoenix for the past six years, drafted there, and have had an amazing experience. The offense aligns more with my style here, and I’m also surrounded by great culture and wonderful people, which I’m genuinely looking forward to in Indiana.”
The Fever’s acquisition of Cunningham is part of a larger reconfiguration of the roster leading into the 2025 season. Just five players — Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and Damiris Dantas — will be returning from the 2024 team that finished 20-20, marking the Fever’s first playoff appearance since 2016.
Instead, the Fever’s management has fortified the roster with experienced championship players. Cunningham participated in the 2021 WNBA Finals, while Natasha Howard is a three-time champ, and DeWanna Bonner holds the record for most playoff appearances. The Fever also added Syd Colson, who has two championship wins with the Las Vegas Aces, providing additional experience.
“It was a deliberate move,” Fever president Kelly Krauskopf commented on Tuesday. “Having players with high-level playoff experience is crucial because, you know, in the first round, you’ve accomplished little. By the second round, you’re nearly there. In the finals, you’ve made it. Understanding how challenging that journey is makes having their experience in the locker room invaluable.”
Cunningham also adds versatility to the Fever as a sharpshooter, having averaged 37.8% from three-point range and 42% from the field last season. The 6-foot guard is a 3-and-D player who thrives in the Fever’s fast-paced playstyle, capable of supporting the 2, 3, or 4 positions, offering the Fever diverse lineup options throughout the season.
“This is a style where I excel, playing alongside teammates who can shoot, move the ball, and share it,” Cunningham said. “This is the offensive system I aspire to be a part of, and I’m genuinely excited.”
Fever guard Cunningham shares first experience with Caitlin Clark
Indiana Fever guard Cunningham shares her initial experience with Caitlin Clark.
This dynamic offense is orchestrated by Clark, who led the league in assists as a rookie and placed fourth in the MVP voting last season.
Cunningham and Clark first met during last year’s WNBA All-Star game in Phoenix, where Cunningham was courtside chatting with Clark during game pauses, making a humorous offer that ultimately came back to her.
“We were just enjoying ourselves,” Cunningham reminisced with a smile. “She was in the game, I was having fun on the sidelines, and I casually mentioned, ‘If you ever want to come to Phoenix, just let me know.’ I guess that came back to bite me, as now I’m here, which is fantastic.”
Cunningham has shared the court with many high-profile players, including WNBA icon and all-time leading scorer Diana Taurasi, as well as Brittney Griner, during her time in Phoenix. Taurasi guided Cunningham throughout those six years leading up to her retirement. Now, alongside the league’s rising star, Cunningham aspires to support Clark in a similar way.
“(Clark) has transformed our game positively in every aspect,” Cunningham remarked. “Sharing the court with her helps relieve some pressure, allowing me to shoot and spread the floor for her. She’s still young. Diana took me under her wing, and I’ve gained a lot from her, and I look forward to doing the same for Caitlin if she desires it. Establishing that relationship is crucial; greatness requires everyone’s effort.”
Fever GM on guard Sophie Cunningham; ‘She opens up the floor’ for teammates Clark, Boston
Fever general manager Amber Cox discusses the acquisition of guard Sophie Cunningham.
Follow IndyStar Fever Insider Chloe Peterson on X at @chloepeterson67.