The approaching WNBA trade deadline has sparked buzz around potential roster moves for the Indiana Fever, with insider Kevin Pelton highlighting Myisha Hines-Allen of the Washington Mystics as a key target. Pelton suggested that the Fever could trade Damiris Dantas to strengthen their frontcourt by acquiring Hines-Allen before the new season begins.
The Fever’s motivation to incorporate Hines-Allen aligns closely with their desire to enhance depth alongside starters Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard, aiming to build a more reliable rotation in the frontcourt. Pelton noted that the Wings, sitting five games behind the eighth seed, might be willing to accept a trade that includes assets from Indiana.
“As a third post behind starters Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard, Hines-Allen should be an improvement,” Pelton wrote. “And with the Wings five games out of the eighth seed, getting anything in return would probably make this trade worth it.”
—Kevin Pelton, WNBA Insider
The Fever’s current frontcourt beyond Boston and Howard lacks significant impact, making Hines-Allen’s addition a logical strategy to upgrade the lineup. Boston has displayed consistency throughout the season, but Howard’s averages of 11.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game suggest room for improvement. Adding a proven shooter like Hines-Allen, who has a career three-point percentage of 34.7%, could offer a valuable offensive boost compared to Dantas, who has struggled recently from long range with only 26.5% accuracy.
Comparing Hines-Allen and Dantas: Who Fits the Fever Better?
A statistical look at Hines-Allen and Dantas this season indicates that Hines-Allen provides higher overall production. She is averaging 6.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game over 24 games, including 15 starts. Meanwhile, Dantas has contributed 4.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists across 20 games, mainly in a bench role.
Hines-Allen’s greater involvement as a starter with the Wings contrasts with Dantas’ reduced minutes with the Fever, suggesting Hines-Allen’s potential to step into a more prominent role immediately. Dantas has encountered injury issues in recent years, which have affected her consistency and availability.
Considering these factors, trading Dantas along with a 2026 second-round pick to the Wings in exchange for Hines-Allen appears to be a mutually beneficial prospect. It would provide the Fever with a frontcourt upgrade capable of complementing stars like Caitlin Clark, while offering Dantas an opportunity for a fresh start in Washington.
Potential Impact and Future Outlook for the Fever
If the Fever successfully complete this trade, their frontcourt rotation will gain increased resilience and offensive versatility. Hines-Allen’s shooting and playmaking could relieve pressure on Boston and Howard, potentially improving Indiana’s competitiveness as the season progresses. Caitlin Clark’s dynamic presence in the backcourt would pair well with a bolstered frontcourt, enhancing the team’s overall balance and effectiveness on both ends of the court.
With the deadline imminent, the Fever’s front office faces a pivotal decision that could influence the trajectory of their season. Adding Myisha Hines-Allen might represent a crucial step toward building a more competitive roster capable of challenging playoff contenders in the WNBA.