When Caitlin Clark heard Napheesa Collier’s bold trade proposal during the 2025 WNBA All-Star draft, her reaction was immediate and crystal clear. The Indiana Fever star wasn’t about to let her teammate slip away, no matter how smooth Collier’s pitch sounded. What followed was a moment that had everyone laughing and showed just how protective Clark is of her Indiana Fever family.
What Made Napheesa Collier Think She Could Trade for Aliyah Boston?
On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Clark and Minnesota Lynx forward Collier made their selections for their competing teams in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, which will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 19.
Both players appeared on ESPN with Malika Andrews, creating a viral moment when Collier proposed a trade for Clark’s Fever teammate, forward Aliyah Boston.
Collier made her pitch with confidence, targeting Clark’s top choice. “Stew [Breanna Stewart] was my No. 1 overall pick, so I would need to make this big. You have to give me your No. 1 overall pick and your teammate, Aliyah Boston,” she said.
Clark’s response was swift and decisive. She displayed a pained look before replying: “Absolutely not.”
Phee tried to trade for Aliyah. Caitlin’s response?
“Absolutely NOT” pic.twitter.com/CMVVe3hNW3
— correlation (@nosyone4) July 8, 2025
As Andrews and Collier laughed at the exchange, Clark doubled down on her position. “Not happening. Good try… I don’t even think Phee actually meant that, I think she just wanted to see how I would react.”
The two were named captains after receiving the most votes from fans, with Clark earning the right to select her team first as the top vote-getter. Her first pick was Boston, which set up Collier’s ambitious trade attempt during the selection segment.
Why Did Clark Shut Down the Trade So Quickly?
The Fever guard was completely unapologetic about prioritizing her teammates for her All-Star roster, which also includes Kelsey Mitchell
“Obviously, I’m trying to get my teammates on my team. Why wouldn’t I? That’s obviously the goal,” she explained.
Clark admitted she was still learning the process, having just found out about her captain role two hours before the draft.
“You know, once they come out with whoever has made it and whoever hasn’t, I guess I get to pick and choose. I don’t really know how it works, I just found out two hours ago. But obviously, my first goal is certainly to be able to have my teammates on my team,” Clark added.
This lighthearted moment served as the perfect setup for what promises to be a highly anticipated All-Star game between the two teams on Saturday, July 19. Clark’s squad features New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu, Stewart’s teammate, along with Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson, who might be sidelined after an apparent wrist injury in the Aces’ loss to the Liberty later that night.
Meanwhile, Team Collier made sure to select her Lynx teammate Courtney Williams, plus star rookie Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings, and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky.
One surprise twist came when both Clark and Collier agreed to trade coaches. The Liberty’s Sandy Brondello will now coach Team Clark, while Collier’s Lynx coach, Cheryl Reeves, will coach Team Collier.
This will be the second All-Star appearance for Caitlin Clark. Given her recent lacing up for the Fever after returning from injury, she is expected to suit up for the marquee contest. She earned 1,293,526 votes, while Collier came in second with 1,176,020 votes from fans. The latter has been an All-Star in all of her seasons in the WNBA except for the 2022 season when she was on maternity leave.
Thats obvious!