💥 After $78,831 Deal, Star Free Agent Says Emotional Goodbye to Indiana Fever!
Indianapolis, October 9 — In a move that has shocked fans and stirred emotional reactions across the WNBA community, veteran guard Odyssey Sims announced her departure from the Indiana Fever after completing a one-year deal worth $78,831. The 32-year-old free agent, known for her fiery leadership and clutch performances, took to social media late Tuesday night to post a heartfelt farewell message, thanking the city and her teammates for “a season of growth, gratitude, and love.”
“This city gave me everything — love, lessons, and family,” Sims wrote in her Instagram post, accompanied by photos from her final home game in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “I came here to compete, to mentor, and to leave it all on the floor. Indiana will always have a piece of my heart.” Her message quickly went viral, drawing an outpouring of support from fans and former teammates.
Sims’ departure marks another significant shift for a Fever team still rebuilding around rookie phenom Caitlin Clark, whose explosive debut season brought record-breaking attention to the franchise and the WNBA as a whole. Despite the media frenzy surrounding Clark, the Fever narrowly missed the playoffs — a disappointment that has led the team to reconsider its veteran roster heading into 2026.
League insiders say the decision not to renew Sims’ contract was “mutual,” though it reflects the Fever’s broader strategy to develop a younger, faster backcourt to complement Clark’s playmaking. “Odyssey was a huge presence in our locker room,” said one team source. “But this is Caitlin’s era now. The team is evolving, and she helped set the foundation for that transition.”
Sims, a former All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, joined the Fever in 2024 after brief stints with the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream. Known for her aggressive defense and vocal leadership, she averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game last season — solid numbers that underscored her value as both a veteran presence and mentor to younger guards.
Fans flooded her post with gratitude and heartbreak. One comment, which has since garnered over 10,000 likes, read: “You taught our young players how to fight. You’ll always be part of Fever history.” Another simply said: “Once a Fever, always a Fever.”
Off the court, Sims had become a mentor figure to Clark, often seen guiding the rookie through high-pressure moments and tough media scrutiny. “She never backed down from anything,” a team insider shared. “Odyssey kept the energy high even when the team was struggling. That kind of leadership doesn’t show up on the stat sheet.”
Speculation is already mounting about where Sims might land next. Several teams, including the Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury, are rumored to be exploring potential offers. Her experience and toughness could make her an ideal fit for franchises seeking veteran guards who can anchor second units and boost locker room chemistry.
For now, though, Sims appears content to reflect on her journey and the legacy she leaves behind in Indiana. “I’m grateful for every moment — every cheer, every challenge,” she wrote in her closing line. “Thank you, Indiana, for believing in me when I needed it most.”
As the Fever prepare for what many expect to be a transformative offseason centered on Caitlin Clark’s continued rise, the departure of Odyssey Sims marks the end of a short but meaningful chapter — one defined by resilience, mentorship, and heart. Whether she returns to the WNBA hardwood or pursues a new path, one thing is certain: Odyssey Sims leaves Indiana not just as a player, but as a symbol of leadership in a time of change…
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