The Indiana Fever selected South Carolina guard Raven Johnson with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, reuniting her with former rival Caitlin Clark. Johnson, a two-time national champion and reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, expressed excitement about playing alongside Clark, calling her a "phenomenal player" with a "winning mentality."
Johnson previously faced Clark in the 2023 NCAA Final Four, where a viral moment of Clark waving her off led to online backlash. Johnson later described the experience as difficult, admitting she considered quitting basketball. Despite the past tension, Johnson praised Clark as a leader and a key reason for her enthusiasm about joining the Fever.
The Fever, now considered a championship contender, also re-signed key players Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and Sophie Cunningham, while adding veteran Monique Billings in free agency. Johnson’s role on the team remains unclear, but she is expected to start in a bench position.
Additionally, Johnson signed a multi-year shoe deal with Adidas, which drew a supportive message from Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who called her "fam." Edwards and Johnson share a close relationship, with the latter describing him as a "big brother."
The WNBA’s 30th season begins on May 8, with the Fever hosting the Dallas Wings on May 9.