Caitlin Clark penned a touching message to Temi Fagbenle after the veteran forward departed the Indiana Fever upon being selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark issued a heartfelt goodbye to teammate Temi Fagbenle after the veteran forward was snatched by the Golden State Valkyries in Friday night’s expansion draft.

Though Fagbenle’s first season with the Fever was largely derailed by a myriad of injuries, the 32-year-old showed flashes of brilliance during Indiana’s postseason push. Over 22 games – two of which she started – Fagbenle averaged career-highs in points (6.4), rebounds (4.7) and assists (0.9).

Not long after being drafted by the Valkyries, Fagbenle thanked Fever players and fans for welcoming her to Indiana with open arms. “Thank you for a great season Indiana Fever,” she captioned her Instagram post.

“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.”

Taking to the comment section, Clark penned a touching farewell to Fagbenle. “Love ya tem! Gonna miss you,” she wrote alongside a heart emoji. Fever guard Lexie Hull additionally chimed in, “Going to miss you Tem!” with three heart emojis.

Fagbenle’s departure from Indiana came as a bit of a surprise to fans and pundits alike, with many questioning why the Fever didn’t elect to protect her from the expansion draft using one of their six spots. The former USC standout was slated to become a restricted free agent this offseason following the expiration of her one-year contract.

Temi Fagbenle was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in Friday night’s expansion draft ( Image: Getty Images)
Addressing the Fever’s decision to not protect Fagbenle alongside Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, NaLyssa Smith, and Lexie Hull, WNBA Hall of Farmer Rebecca Lobo said: “The most shocking thing to me is that Temi Fagbenle was chosen. Not because she won’t be a great fit out in Golden State, but I am just really surprised that the Indiana Fever did not choose to protect her.”

ESPN’s Andraya Carter, meanwhile, insisted that Fagbenle and Clark had the makings of a star duo. “We probably would’ve seen more growth from Temi Fagbenle [if she wasn’t injured], but the connection between her and Caitlin Clark was undeniable. They were so much fun to watch,” she said.

Fagbenle was set to be a restricted free agent after her one-year contract expired following the Fever’s loss in the playoffs. But Indiana elected not to protect her for the expansion draft, and now, Clark and company will be moving forward without a key bench piece.

In addition to Fagbenle, the Valkyries also acquired Las Vegas Aces star Kate Martin, who played alongside Clark at Iowa for four seasons. In 34 games predominantly off the bench, she averaged 11.5 minutes, 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists.

Clark promptly gave Martin her due praise once news of her move broke, writing on Instagram: “Let’s go Kater!!!!!”