What happened: The season-ending injury exception adds frontcourt depth for the remainder of the 2026 campaign. The roster mechanism became available after knee surgery ended another center's season.
Why it matters: Indiana is 18-10 and leads the Eastern Conference entering the stretch run. The move supplies another interior option as the Fever protect their playoff position.
By the numbers: Indiana is 18-10 with a .643 winning percentage and sits 4.5 games off the WNBA's top overall mark.
What to watch: Russell's availability and place in the frontcourt rotation will be the next indicators of her immediate role.