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Caitlin Clark’s sophomore year was nowhere near the dominance of her rookie season. But it ain’t her fault. She’s endured four different muscle injuries that limited her to just 13 games during the 2025 WNBA season. As of now, she’s undergoing rehab to get back to 100% health, and that’s what makes her offseason more crucial than ever. But no worries – she’s got someone ready to take responsibility on his shoulders. But will she take up the offer as fans add their pleas?

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It all comes up as Chris Brickley, one of the most renowned trainers in the NBA, opened up about his intentions with CC. Speaking on the October 23rd episode of The Line podcast, he shared, “Caitlin finished her rookie season. We were going to work last summer, but I was gonna have to go to Indianapolis…. I’m hoping now, this offseason, I’m hoping that she’ll come to New York and we’ll get some work in.”

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No doubt, that’s a great opportunity – especially since CC needs a top trainer to get back to her best on the court. And Brickley? He’s kind of an expert at it with both the skills and the experience. He’s trained stars like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony – and now, he’s awaiting CC.

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“Man, she’s the reason why the WNBA has become so big. I’d love to work with her. She’s an amazing talent… and I love her competitiveness, too,” he added. He’s right. Her no-look passes, logo threes, and record-breaking pace are something special. And while Brickley already trains NBA royalty, adding CC to that list would be the cherry on top of the cake.

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Though it ain’t the first time that an NBA trainer is keen to work with CC, it isn’t his first time trying. Even last offseason, he wanted to train with her, but that plan never came to fruition as the Indiana Fever sensation stayed in Indianapolis. This time, though, she might have a bit more freedom to meet Brickley at his own facilities in New York. And to make her decision even easier, fans are voicing their advice loud and clear!

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Fans plan offseason for Caitlin Clark!

Caitlin Clark is arguably America’s biggest star in women’s basketball, even at just 23. So, it’s no surprise her offseason workouts attract more attention than most players’ in-game performances. That’s why the NBA’s most beloved trainer wants to make things happen with her. But it ain’t as simple as it looks – and that’s why fans have an urgent request for the Indiana Fever star. “@CaitlinClark22 you can’t pass up this opportunity, he is the REAL DEAL!!” penned one user. Real deal, of course, he is. He’s worked with the best in the NBA – from all-time leading scorer LeBron James to the 6-foot-10 sniper Kevin Durant.

As Love once said of him in a 2023 NBA interview, “Chris’ approach to the game and attention to detail make him different than other trainers. He is consistently wanting to get better. He works every single day on bringing guys from every level in here.” And “every level” truly means every level – from collegiate standouts like Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers to NBA legends. So, training with Brickley would definitely be fruitful for CC.

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But not all fans agree. “Prolific NBA trainers want to train with CC, but most Fever fans want her to continue training with ‘Keith’ instead,” wrote another user. Well, fans might want that, but the fact is – it’s not possible. According to Fever insider Chloe Peterson, Indy’s team trainer, Keith Porter, suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Phoenix. “She would likely have to find a new trainer, whether the Fever find one for her in the offseason or she works with someone else on her own, because obviously, Keith (Porter) will not be able to do basically anything for almost a year,” she reported back in September. So yes, CC needs a new trainer anyway.

Another fan added, “I hope @CaitlinClark22 trains with Chris Brickley. He seems to have a great list of players he’s worked with. It’s pretty obvious the Fever organization didn’t do CC any favors last offseason. I really pray she gets her own trainers.” That claim isn’t baseless either – Brickley himself revealed on The Line, “Some teams are like, ‘No, you need to be with me for the first three years.’ This is happening with me and Caitlin Clark.” So yes, front-office restrictions might be getting in the way. But this time, fans aren’t letting that slide.

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“Just further confirmation that the Fever org messed up her mechanics last offseason… Caitlin, please get another trainer!!” another user wrote. As of now, with Keith out, CC will have to work with someone new – possibly Austin Kelly, who worked closely with Indy players last offseason. But whether he takes on a bigger role with Clark remains unknown. Either way, she’s got a golden offer on the table.

But CC’s offseason seems packed already. While regaining full health remains her top priority, she’s also slated to play golf at the Pro-Am at the Pelican Golf Club in Florida on November 12. Then, she’s expected to join Team USA as they prepare for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. And, of course, she’ll also spend quality time with her teammates – and her boyfriend – because she’s all about balance. But all this is exactly what fans don’t want her to do.

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One user bluntly wrote, “She should take him up on his offer instead of hanging around that C-nn-r bum and golfing.” They want her in the gym with Brickley, rebuilding, recharging, and ready for 2026. The only question now is – will Caitlin Clark take up the New York offer? Stay tuned to find out.

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Yashika Dutta

2,141 Articles

Yashika Dutta is a Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the NCAA, WNBA, and Olympics. A member of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, she specializes in the high-stakes energy of college basketball, with features on the Big Ten Conference and the chaos of March Madness that bring fans right to the hardwood. Her coverage has even caught the attention of UConn coaches and Olympian Rori Dunk, earning her recognition for both accuracy and insight. A former state-level basketball player, Yashika channels her on-court experience into reporting that captures the game’s intensity beyond the box score. With a player’s sense of timing and a journalist’s instinct for storytelling, she shines a light on rising stars like Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, while unpacking the pressures and triumphs that shape college hoops. Whether charting a Big Ten rivalry or chronicling the ethos of March Madness, Yashika connects fans to the heart of the game with energy and authenticity.

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Shreya Singh

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