The Indiana Fever just signed another key player

· Yahoo Sports

BROOKLYN, NY - JULY 3: Mercedes Russell #21 & Rae Burrell #12 of the Los Angeles Sparks high five during the game against the New York Liberty on July 3, 2025 at Barclays Center Arena in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Indiana Fever have signed veteran center Mercedes Russell to a season-ending injury exception contract.

Visit moryak.biz for more information.

Russell, who played for the Los Angeles Sparks last season, will bolster the team’s frontcourt after Damiris Dantas underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

Russell was drafted 22nd overall by the New York Liberty in the 2018 WNBA Draft after an illustrious career at the University of Tennessee. She played for the Seattle Storm for the majority of her WNBA career, averaging 4.6 points and 3.8 rebounds across 209 games in the league. She won the WNBA championship in 2018 and 2020 as a member of the Storm.

The 31-year-old has also played overseas over the past few years; she won the 2024 WNBL Championship with Australia’s Southside Flyers, and was named Grand Final MVP after averaging 14.3 points, 12.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in the series.  

Mercedes Russell will replace the injured Damiris Dantas

Dantas had appeared in 12 games this season, averaging 3.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists. Her role, albeit limited, meant that Stephanie White had another veteran big option at her disposal. Now, Russell assumes that role.

Russell, who is 6’6, gives the Fever more size and optionality at the center position. Mikayla Timpson has been a key backup for Indiana, averaging 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game. In addition to Timpson, Myisha Hines-Allen and Monique Billings have played significant frontcourt roles.

The Fever are currently 20-12, owners of the WNBA’s fourth-best record. If the playoffs began today, they would face the Washington Mystics in the first round.

Read full story at source