The Indiana Fever made a surprising decision not to protect veteran center Temi Fagbenle ahead of the Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA Expansion Draft. The Valkyries capitalized on this move by selecting Fagbenle, adding an experienced and dependable presence to their roster. Her selection has sparked significant discourse within the WNBA community, as many viewed her as a pivotal piece of Indiana’s lineup.
Fagbenle, 32, previously played in the WNBA from 2017 to 2019 before making her return in the 2024 season. After earlier stints with the Minnesota Lynx, she joined the Fever, where she delivered consistent contributions, averaging 6.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 50.9 percent from the field. Her performance made her an integral part of the Fever’s rotation, and her departure has left fans and analysts alike questioning the team’s strategy.
The decision to leave Fagbenle unprotected sent shockwaves across social media. “Temi Fagbenle is a Golden State Valkyrie,” the Clark Report succinctly posted on X (formerly Twitter), followed by widespread reactions from fans. One fan expressed disbelief: “I can’t believe they didn’t protect Temi Fagbenle and let the Valkyries take her. She was one of the first players to mesh seamlessly with Caitlin Clark and played such an important role. I’m furious with the Fever right now.”
WNBA reporter Chloe Peterson, writing for The Indianapolis Star, highlighted Fagbenle’s critical role during her time with Indiana. “Fagbenle provided a vital veteran presence for the Fever throughout the 2024 season. While the Valkyries will hold her restricted free-agent rights, her experience and leadership will undoubtedly benefit their inaugural season,” Peterson noted. Fagbenle’s unique ability to mentor young players while contributing on the court made her a valuable asset, and her loss could impact Indiana’s development trajectory.
The Golden State Valkyries made significant gains in their expansion draft, with Fagbenle serving as one of their standout acquisitions. While the team is unlikely to contend for a championship in its first season, their mix of veteran and young talent has the potential to exceed expectations. As the WNBA world looks ahead to 2025, all eyes will be on Golden State to see if they can translate these moves into early postseason success. Meanwhile, Indiana faces questions about the long-term implications of losing a seasoned and well-rounded player like Fagbenle.
