Mercedes Russell is heading to Indiana. The 6-foot-6 veteran center signed with the Fever on Monday, filling the frontcourt spot left open by Damiris Dantas, who is out for the season after meniscus surgery. Indiana secured the deal through a season-ending injury exception.
Before her exit, Dantas had appeared in 12 games this year, averaging 3.3 points and 1.5 rebounds off Stephanie White's bench. Her role, though limited, gave the coach another veteran big to lean on.
Mercedes Russell's Championship Resume Bolsters Remaining Fever Schedule
Now that responsibility shifts to Russell, who joins a frontcourt rotation that also features Myisha Hines-Allen, Monique Billings, and second-year forward Makayla Timpson.
Russell, 31, brings championship pedigree to the remaining Fever schedule. She won titles with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and 2020, averaging 4.6 points and 3.8 rebounds across 209 career games.
She most recently came off the bench in 20 games for the LA Sparks last season. Overseas, she captured the 2024 WNBL championship with Australia's Southside Flyers and took home Grand Final MVP honors.
The Fever schedule now turns toward a playoff push. Indiana sits near the top of the WNBA standings and would face the Washington Mystics in the first round if the postseason began today.
