Indiana Fever fans woke up to a surprising twist after a new ESPN projection suggested Sophie Cunningham may not be protected in the upcoming WNBA expansion draft. With two new teams entering the league and only five protected slots available, Cunningham’s future in Indianapolis suddenly feels more uncertain than ever.
The Fever are heading into a complicated offseason as the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire prepare for their entry into the WNBA. Because teams can only protect five players this time around, every decision carries major consequences. Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell are automatic locks, and Lexie Hull is widely expected to be protected as well. That leaves just one open spot, and this is where the debate becomes heated.
Many Fever supporters assumed the final slot would go to Sophie Cunningham. She quickly became a fan favorite in Indiana, bringing energy, toughness, and star power throughout her first season with the team. Her personality and on court presence boosted the Fever’s visibility, making her feel like a core part of the team’s long term plans. But ESPN’s Kevin Pelton threw a curveball when he predicted that rookie Mikayla Timpson would be protected instead of Cunningham.
Pelton’s projection sparked instant discussion because it suggests the Fever might prioritize youth and long term upside over veteran impact. He noted that unless an expansion team views Cunningham as a core level talent, Indiana could risk leaving her exposed. That scenario opens the door for Toronto or Portland to pick her up, especially if they want a proven star who can draw immediate attention to a new franchise.
The uncertainty doesn’t end there. Even if the Fever do protect or lose her, Cunningham is set to enter free agency soon. That means her future with Indiana is complicated either way, and the team could face the possibility of losing her without compensation. For a franchise building chemistry around Clark and Boston, losing a strong veteran voice could create yet another challenge.
As fans continue to debate the ESPN prediction, one thing is clear. Sophie Cunningham has made herself valuable on and off the court. Whether the Fever will gamble by leaving her unprotected or choose stability by keeping her remains one of the most intriguing questions of this offseason. Indiana’s decision could reshape not just their roster, but the identity of the team moving forward.
Comment Section Prompt
What do you think the Fever should do. Should they protect Sophie Cunningham or take a chance on younger talent. Share your thoughts below.
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