Why Fever are signing 2-time WNBA champion with career 4.6 point per game average

The Indiana Fever are making an addition to their frontcourt.Following news that Damiris Dantas would be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 season, the Fever on Monday announced that veteran center Mercedes Russell has been signed after the WNBA granted Indiana an injury exception.Dantas has undergone surgery to repair a torn meniscus in her left knee. She was an important reserve for head coach Stephanie White, and Russell is arriving in a bid to fill the void.MORE: Why Indiana lieutenant governor is calling for Stephanie White's firingRussell has not played in 2026, but she is a veteran of 209 WNBA regular-season games. She's also a WNBA champion, having won the title as a member of the Seattle Storm in 2018 and in 2020.— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 10, 2026 Russell played