Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark joined Travis and Jason Kelce on the brothers' New Heights podcast in an episode that aired January 2. Clark was and is the pair's most requested guest, the Kelces explained, and the trio discussed everything from her academic accolades to Taylor Swift to what can save the NBA as the league struggles with lower-than-average viewership.
Clark explained that first and foremost, she thinks most basketball fans don't realize how absurdly talented NBA players are because they make it too easy. As a result, it's easy for fans to think the players aren't trying, something she vehemently disagreed with. "I promise you, they’re trying. They’re just so good it looks like they’re not trying," Clark said.
Clark, who is known for her logo 3 shots, was also quick to excitedly agree that the addition of a 4-point line in the WNBA would be a lot of fun. As several people have pointed out, the traditional 4-point line (which the WNBA included as part of the All-Star Game in 2022) is essentially a logo 3, so it's not too surprising that she's an enthusiastic supporter of the idea.
When it comes to a WNBA 4-point line, outside of Clark there are other athletes in the league who could add the skill to their game day repertoire — though that kind of kind of shooting might be difficult for the Valkyries, as the team's roster isn't specifically known for its deep shooting ability... yet.
As most WNBA fans are aware, free agency will begin on Jan. 11. The Valkyries are entering into free agency with the largest cap space of any team, which should give them the ability to make key roster choices that can benefit the team in a major way. Of the players who will soon be available through free agency, there are two who would be major scores for the Bay Area team.
Erica Wheeler
Though Wheeler herself has attempted to quash any rumors she might be leaving the Fever, the fact remains that the guard didn't get a ton of time with the Fever in 2024 and could enjoy the prospect of joining a new team that will be hungry. Wheeler is known for her great locker room camaraderie (as well as taking a rookie Clark under her wing ahead of last year's season) — and for her shooting.
Wheeler's contract is also a hot topic for Fever fans. She's one of the highest paid athletes in the league but hasn't had the clock time to back that up recently. The Fever will enter free agency with at least $650k in cap space. If Wheeler opted for a lower contract the team might be more inclined to keep her... but if not, the Valkyries have the room.
Kelsey Mitchell
This is pure fantasy because it's wildly unlikely the Fever are going to let Mitchell walk away from the team if they can help it, but if they did, she'd be a fantastic shooter for the Valkyries. Mitchell had a powerhouse 2024 season for the Fever and more than proved her skillset to the entire league — she knows when to take a shot, she knows how to hit big shots, and she's a fan favorite.
It's worth noting that because she is not a restricted free agent, the Fever will have to outbid other teams who might want Mitchell to keep her—something that could also bolster the Valkyries' chances.