Fever's Grace VanSlooten Signing Aligns with Team's Strategic Needs The Indiana Fever made a strategic move on May 22 by signing forward Grace VanSlooten to a rest-of-season contract, following the waiver of veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough on May 21. The decision to replace Walker-Kimbrough with VanSlooten reflects the team’s focus on addressing frontcourt depth, a critical need highlighted by Aliyah Boston’s recent injury. VanSlooten, a 2026 WNBA Draft pick selected by the Seattle Storm with the No. 39 overall pick, had already demonstrated her potential during her brief stint with Seattle. She played four regular-season games for the Storm, averaging 4.3 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. Her performance caught the attention of the Fever, who had the opportunity to evaluate her during a May 17 matchup against their own team. In that game, VanSlooten logged 18 minutes, scoring 5 points while contributing 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways—offense, defense, and ball movement—underscored her value as a versatile forward. The Fever’s front office saw VanSlooten as a perfect fit for their roster, which had struggled with frontcourt depth this season. Walker-Kimbrough, a guard, had been waived to create space for a player who could contribute in the frontcourt. VanSlooten’s signing not only balances the team’s positional needs but also provides flexibility in case of injuries or other unforeseen circumstances. Her familiarity with the Fever’s system, gained from her brief exposure during the May 17 game, further strengthens her case as a reliable addition. While VanSlooten’s immediate playing time may be limited as she adjusts to the Fever’s system, her presence offers the team a crucial insurance policy.#wnba #indiana_fever #aliyah_boston #seattle_storm #grace_vanslooten
