Once done nailing a game against the New York Liberty in July 2024, Caitlin Clark made some time to babysit teammate Katie Lou Samuelson’s 10-month-old daughter Aliyah. Impressed with Clark’s skills that are apparently not limited to just basketball, Samuelson dubbed her an “elite babysitter”. Heartwarming, right? For a while, yes. Because this dynamic between the teammates might be taking a turn to the south.
The Indiana Fever announced on February 10, 2025, that they have mutually parted ways with Katie Lou Samuelson, despite her having one more season left on her contract. This decision has significant implications for both the team and its star rookie, Caitlin Clark.
By parting ways with Samuelson, the Fever have freed up approximately $180,250 in salary cap space for the 2025 season. This is a move that gives the team much needed financial flexibility as they try to build around their young core.
Besides having an effect on the team’s salary cap, Samuelson’s departure affects the locker room dynamic. Clark, who had developed a bond with Samuelson and her family, will have to lean on someone else for support and occasional babysitting duties instead of the veteran teammate.
To put it bluntly, the Fever have decided to double down on building around Clark and rising stars like Aliyah Boston. Having that extra cap space gives them some flexibility to nab free agents or make the necessary trades to improve their squad levels.
This is another step for Clark to take on an even bigger leadership role. As the WNBA star enters her second season, all the eyes are on her not just for what she does on the court, but what she does to lead this young team.
