Caitlin Clark sends a touching message to Temi Fagbenle as she bids Fever goodbye

The Caitlin Clark-led Indiana Fever lost a key player to the Golden State Valkyries during Friday's expansion draft. Temi Fagbenle, a backup big and spot starter for the team, was the fifth player to be picked up by the league's newest franchise.

While fans lamented the loss, the Fever could only protect six players, and Fagbenle was not among them. While Clark celebrated Kate Martin going to the Valkyries, she expressed sadness over Fagbenle’s departure.

Fagbenle shared a farewell post on Instagram, expressing gratitude for her time with the Fever:

"To my teammates: we had a season of revelations and growth. So proud of y'all for persevering. Thank you for lifting me and each other. F the noise. Keep growing together. Thank you for the consistent energy, Indy fans. Y'all are solid 🔥🙏🏾."

"Very grateful. Very blessed."

Caitlin Clark commented under the post, leaving a short but heartfelt message for Fagbenle.

"Love ya tem! Gonna miss you ❤️," Clark wrote.

Caitlin Clark's heartfelt comment underneath Temi Fagbenle's post

After playing for the Minnesota Lynx in 2017 and again from 2018 to 2019, Temi Fagbenle joined the Indiana Fever ahead of the 2024 WNBA season. After five years away from the league, she returned on a strong note, posting the best season of her career with 6.4 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 50.9% in 22 games played.

She posted a career-high points 17 points, six rebounds and three assists during the Fever's first win of the season against the LA Sparks.

When will Temi Fagbenle clash against Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever?

After a career-best season in which she helped Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever return to the WNBA postseason for the first time since 2016, Temi Fagbenle is set to return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse as an opponent in the 2025 season.

Fagbenle will face Clark and the Fever as an opponent for the first time on Thursday, June 19, at Chase Center.

She will return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, July 9, before closing the regular-season series on Sunday, Aug. 31, back at Chase Center.