The Indiana Fever have acquired veteran guard Sophie Cunningham from the Phoenix Mercury, as reported by ESPN and confirmed by team sources on Tuesday. The trade, pending league approval, signals Indiana’s push to bolster its perimeter shooting and defensive grit around rising stars Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. In exchange, Phoenix will receive Indiana’s 2025 third-round draft pick, per NBC Sports.
Cunningham, 27, spent six seasons with the Mercury, establishing herself as a tenacious three-point threat and energy player. She averaged 7.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in 2023, shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc. Known for her physicality and clutch performances, Cunningham’s veteran presence adds depth to a Fever squad seeking playoff contention.
Fever GM Lin Dunn praised the move, stating, “Sophie brings toughness and experience that aligns with our culture. Her shooting will create spacing for Caitlin and Aliyah to thrive.” Meanwhile, Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts acknowledged Cunningham’s contributions, calling the trade a “difficult but necessary step” in their rebuild.
Social media reactions highlighted excitement among Fever fans, with many noting Cunningham’s potential to elevate the team’s defense. The trade follows Indiana’s offseason focus on surrounding Clark and Boston with complementary pieces.
Cunningham, who joins the Fever immediately, expressed enthusiasm on Twitter: “Ready to grind in Indy. Let’s chase banners.” The move positions Indiana as a rising force in the WNBA’s Eastern Conference, while Phoenix continues reshaping its roster post-Diana Taurasi era.
