Caitlin Clark's dream scenario - Indiana Fever appoint Lisa Bluder, Natasha Howard signs

Indiana Fever star may find herself in a significantly transformed team next year. And just a few off-season moves could push the team from WNBA playoff contenders to outright title challengers.

The 22-year-old had an impressive debut season in the WNBA, clinching the Rookie of the Year award and finishing fourth in the MVP voting. However, the Fever's first play-offs appearance since 2016 ended sooner than hoped following a tumultuous regular season.

Preparations for 2025 are already underway with the , who was criticised for not getting the most out of their star player. And the reported how this and other developments in the coming months could set the stage for a dream second year for Clark.

Lisa Bluder takeover

Rumours are already circulating about who the Fever might target as their next head coach, with the Connecticut Sun's Stephanie White a top candidate at present. The 2023 Coach of the Year has a history with the Fever, having played four of her five pro seasons in Indiana and coaching them to their second WNBA Finals appearance in 2015.

However, the Fever's current challenge is to build the team around Clark. And there is arguably no-one better-placed to do that than her college coach, Lisa Bluder.

The esteemed mentor behind Clark's rapid ascent in the Iowa Hawkeyes, which saw them reach back-to-back national championship games, hung up her whistle in May. But despite retiring, the thought of coaching Clark once again could prove too alluring for 63-year-old Bluder to resist.

Natasha Howard returns

In a sensational return to form, Natasha Howard is back lighting up the courts since she last represented the Fever. With three WNBA titles from her time with the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm - not to mention being crowned Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 - Howard's comeback is setting the stage for an explosive dynamic alongside the rising Clarke.

Howard's presence on the team promises not only to bring some welcome power but also shore up their defensive lineup. Having ruled out a return to the Dallas Wings, it seems Howard is gearing up for a game-changing season - possibly in Indiana colours.

Kelsey Mitchell era lives on

There should be no bigger priority for the Fever than securing Kelsey Mitchell with a fresh contract. Mitchell dazzled as Indiana's second-highest scorer last season, delivering an impressive average of 19.2 points per game.

After seven years, the two-time All Star has become an integral figure for the team, and retaining her talent could propel Clark and her team-mates to new heights. While her future remains uncertain, efforts are being made to keep her with the Fever.

The Fever's President of Basketball Operations, Kelly Krauskopf, underscored her pivotal role: "She's extremely important to the success of this, our future. We intend to have lots of conversations and make sure she knows that, but I think she does know that."

Salary cap increase

Speculation continues to mount over potential salary cap expansions in the WNBA. Clark's current salary of $76,535 (£58,780) is undoubtedly undervalued given her talent and overall value to the team, which extends far beyond the court.

The Women's National Basketball Players Association has decided to opt out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is likely to result in a significant increase in the current team salary cap of $1.46million next year. A new agreement based on league revenues is expected to be reached in the foreseeable future.

Despite Clark's rising star status and the influx of sponsorships, it's only fair she receives a salary that truly reflects her worth. A new contract would not only be justified but also serve as additional motivation for her to lead the Fever to their first WNBA title since 2012.