Veteran Natasha Howard Returns to Indiana Fever in Free Agency Move

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Three-time WNBA champion Natasha Howard will return to the Indiana Fever as a free agent, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday. The 33-year-old forward, known for her defensive prowess and veteran leadership, is set to bolster a Fever team led by rising stars Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.

Howard, a two-time All-Star and the 2019 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, brings a wealth of experience to Indiana. She averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in 2024 for the Dallas Wings, showcasing her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Her return marks a reunion with the franchise that drafted her fifth overall in 2014.

“Natasha is a proven winner and a versatile player who can impact the game in multiple ways,” said an ESPN analyst. “Her defensive intensity and scoring ability will be invaluable for a young Fever team looking to make a deeper playoff run.”

Howard’s career has been defined by her championship pedigree. She won titles with the Minnesota Lynx in 2017 and the Seattle Storm in 2018 and 2020. During her time in Seattle, she earned the WNBA Most Improved Player award in 2018 and secured All-WNBA First Team honors in 2019. Her ability to step up in high-pressure situations makes her a key addition for Indiana.

The Fever, who finished 20-20 last season and made their first playoff appearance since 2016, are building momentum under head coach Stephanie White. The team recently re-signed guard Kelsey Mitchell, further solidifying its core. With Howard joining forces with Clark, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, and Boston, a dominant presence in the paint, Indiana is positioning itself as a contender in the WNBA.

“This is a team on the rise,” said a league insider. “Adding a player like Natasha Howard, who knows what it takes to win, could be the missing piece for the Fever.”

Free agent contracts can officially be signed starting Saturday, and Howard’s deal is expected to be finalized shortly. Her return to Indiana not only strengthens the Fever’s roster but also signals the franchise’s commitment to competing at the highest level.