Katie Lou Samuelson’s decision to part ways with the Indiana Fever raises important questions about how this move will affect the team’s future. The agreement on a six-figure buyout, reportedly around $106,419, follows her contract separation with the Fever, where she was set to make approximately $180,000 for the 2025 season. Although the buyout allows Samuelson to explore other opportunities, it also impacts the Fever’s salary cap in significant ways.
While Samuelson may still be claimed off waivers, it’s unlikely a team will take on her full contract. The process could see her hit the waiver wire for five days before becoming a free agent, where she would be free to sign for as low as the veteran minimum of $78,831. For the Fever, this means that despite paying her more than she would receive with another team, they are freeing up cap space in the long term, though they still have to manage the immediate effects of her departure.
In terms of cap space, the Fever will be left with approximately $117,000 after Samuelson’s buyout, along with two open roster spots. However, with the minimum salary for players in their first two years being around $66,000, this still falls short of what’s required to fill both spots with full-time players. Unless Indiana makes additional roster moves, they are likely to start the season with just 11 players, leaving them short of a complete roster.
Moreover, it’s important to note that salary costs for players are pro-rated based on the number of games remaining in the season. This means that as the season progresses, the Fever may have more flexibility to sign additional players at a lower cost, making midseason acquisitions a real possibility.
Ultimately, Katie Lou Samuelson’s departure leaves the Fever with more cap flexibility but also presents challenges in terms of roster depth as they look to fill key positions moving forward. How they navigate these cap constraints and make necessary moves will be crucial in determining their success for the upcoming season.
