Samuelson was drafted by the Chicago Sky as the fourth pick in the 2019 WNBA draft after a successful career at UConn. She then went on to play for the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm and last played the 2022 season with the Los Angeles Sparks. With the Sparks she averaged 9.7 points, 3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
Samuelson was brought in to play the small forward and power forward positions to bring the height and skillset to help this Fever team.
She is known for being an elite 3-point shooter, who can also get to the rim. She has performed at the highest levels including winning with USA basketball and having a 145-5 record at UConn with a championship win right here in Indianapolis in 2016.
Dantas was the 12th pick in the 2012 WNBA draft and is in her tenth WNBA season. She played with the Atlanta Dream for three seasons and played her other six with the Minnesota Lynx, including her last season in the league being in 2022. In the 2022 season with the Lynx, Dantas averaged 5.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists in her 15 games played. She was also a part of the Brazilian Olympic Team in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
Dantas provides veteran experience in the post position from her time in the WNBA and her international Olympic experience, which will be beneficial for Aliyah Boston, the young post player for the Fever.
Samuelson and Dantas have been signed to multi-year contracts but the terms were not released at this time.
Along with the two new additions to the roster, the Fever have the first pick of the WNBA draft for the second year in a row. Their eyes are currently set on getting senior Iowa guard Caitlin Clark.
After adding Samuelson and Dantas to the roster, the Fever let go of veteran leader Emma Cannon. Maya Caldwell and Temi Fagbenle were also signed to a training camp contract and could possibly be added to the roster at a future date.
There are nine returning players to the Fever roster including Grace Berger, Boston, Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, Victoria Saxton, Nalyssa Smith, Victoria Vivians, Kristy Wallace and Erica Wheeler.
Samuelson and Mitchell played together in the 3v3 Americup for USA Basketball in San Juan, Puerto Rico and won the gold medal after going 5-0 in the tournament. With their history of playing together it brings an already existing chemistry to the floor.
The Fever start their season in Connecticut versus the Sun on May 14 and will have their home opener on May 16 against the New York Liberty.
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