Honestly, if you looked at the WNBA landscape back in early 2025, nobody was really sure how the Indiana Fever were going to balance all that young energy. You had Caitlin Clark coming off a historic rookie season, Aliyah Boston dominating the paint, and a fan base that was—let’s be real—a little impatient for a deep playoff run. Then, on February 2, the news dropped: Natasha Howard was coming home.
She didn't just come back to where she was drafted in 2014; she came back to be the adult in the room.
Howard signed a one-year deal worth $214,466. Some people questioned the price tag for a 33-year-old vet. But those people weren't paying attention to what Indiana actually lacked: championship DNA. You can't just buy three rings and a Defensive Player of the Year trophy at a gift shop.
The Commissioner’s Cup Statement
Fast forward to July. Most experts picked the Minnesota Lynx to steamroll the Fever in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final. The Lynx were 14-2. Napheesa Collier was playing like an MVP. It looked like a mismatch on paper.
Howard had other plans.
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She went out and put up 16 points and 12 rebounds. She didn't just score; she basically built a wall around the basket, holding Collier to 6-of-18 shooting. The Fever won 74-59, snagging their first-ever Commissioner’s Cup title. Howard walked away with the MVP award, and suddenly, that $214k contract looked like the biggest bargain in the league.
She’s always been sorta underappreciated. While stars like A’ja Wilson or Breanna Stewart get the magazine covers, Howard just quietly works. She’s a "snake" on defense—her own words—sliding into passing lanes and contesting shots that other power forwards wouldn't even try to reach.
More Than Just Stats
Look, her regular season numbers were solid: 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. She shot a ridiculous 55.2% from the floor, which ranked third in the entire WNBA. But the box score doesn't tell the whole story of the 2025 season.
Indiana got hit by the injury bug. Bad.
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At one point, they had six players out with season-ending injuries. In a league with 12-woman rosters, that’s a death sentence. Yet, the Fever kept winning. They went on a five-game winning streak in the middle of the summer, including a gutsy 78-74 win over Seattle where Howard dropped 21.
Leadership in the Locker Room
- Mentorship: She took rookie Makayla Timpson under her wing. Both are Florida State alums, and you could see Timpson's confidence grow every time Howard pulled her aside during a timeout.
- The Bridge: She acted as the link between Stephanie White’s coaching staff and a roster full of Gen Z stars.
- The Grind: Even when Kelsey Mitchell went down in the playoffs, Howard played 33 minutes in a grueling OT loss to the Aces, refusing to let the team fold.
What Most People Get Wrong About Howard
People see "vet" and they think "slow." That’s a mistake. Howard is actually one of the fastest players at the four position. She forces mismatches in transition because she can outrun most centers and outmuscle most guards.
She also isn't afraid to be vocal. Earlier in the season, she told reporters she wanted to win MVP and DPOY. While she didn't get the season-long MVP, she proved she could be the best player on the court when the lights were brightest.
The 2026 Question
So, where does this leave us? Howard is technically a Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) for the 2026 season.
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There's a lot of chatter on Reddit and Twitter about whether Indiana should "get younger" or "spend the cap space elsewhere." That's risky. The Fever finally found a culture that works. Howard herself said during exit interviews that this group was "special" and that the locker room vibe was the best she’s experienced in years.
Actionable Insights for Fever Fans
If you're following the off-season moves, here is what to keep an eye on:
- Overseas Performance: Howard is headed to China this winter. Watch her durability there; at 34, how she handles the "grindset" will determine her value in the next WNBA free agency cycle.
- Cap Space Management: The Fever have a lot of UFAs this year, including Kelsey Mitchell. If Indiana prioritizes Mitchell's max contract, Howard might have to take a slight "hometown discount" to stay.
- The Stephanie White Factor: Coach White and Howard have a history that goes back a decade. If White stays at the helm, it’s highly likely she’ll fight to keep her "defensive snake" on the roster.
Natasha Howard isn't just a placeholder for the next draft pick. She’s the reason the Indiana Fever stopped being a "rebuilding" team and started being a "winning" team. Whether she stays in Indy or chases one last big paycheck elsewhere, her 2025 season proved that veteran experience is the one thing you can't coach.
To stay updated on the Fever's roster moves, keep a close watch on the official WNBA transactions log and the upcoming free agency negotiations starting in February.