The Indiana Fever announced Friday that they have waived veteran forward Damiris Dantas, a move signaling the franchise’s aggressive shift toward youth and contention as the 2026 WNBA season approaches.
Dantas, 33, joined the Fever in 2023 after stints with the Minnesota Lynx and other international clubs. The Brazilian standout brought veteran leadership, solid rebounding, and perimeter shooting during her three seasons in Indiana. In 2025, she appeared in 28 games, averaging 7.4 points and 4.1 rebounds off the bench while mentoring younger players like Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark.
“Damiris has been a true professional and a positive presence in our locker room,” Fever general manager Lin Dunn said in a statement. “This was a difficult decision, but we’re prioritizing roster flexibility and development as we build for the future.”
Sources close to the team suggest the waiver stems from a crowded frontcourt and the organization’s desire to open minutes for emerging talents and potential free-agent acquisitions. Dantas’ $180,000 salary for 2026 also factored into cap considerations as the Fever aim to remain under the luxury tax threshold.
Fans took to social media with mixed reactions. Many praised Dantas’ work ethic and international success, while others acknowledged the harsh realities of roster construction in a league trending younger.
Dantas, a two-time All-Star in Brazil and a key contributor on the Olympic stage, is expected to draw interest from several teams seeking experienced depth. She has yet to comment publicly on her next chapter.
The Fever, coming off a promising 2025 campaign, now turn their focus to training camp with a leaner, more athletic roster. The move marks the latest chapter in Indiana’s rapid transformation from rebuilding franchise to playoff contender.