The Indiana Fever face numerous questions this offseason, particularly regarding their Big Three. Kelsey Mitchell, a key player on the team, earned an All-Star selection in the 2024 WNBA season, highlighting her importance to the team’s potential success.
The team’s management has designated Mitchell as part of their core group amidst uncertainty about her future. This strategy mirrors actions taken by other WNBA teams like the Las Vegas Aces with Kelsey Plum and the Dallas Wings with Satou Sabally.
The core qualifying offer ensures the Fever’s exclusive negotiating rights with Mitchell. She is guaranteed a supermax offer of $249,000 for the 2025 season. Should the 2016 WNBA champions opt to part ways with her, they could receive compensation or potentially initiate trade talks involving Satou Sabally.
Mitchell, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, has spent seven seasons with the Eastern Conference franchise. Following back-to-back All-Star appearances, she emerged as a sought-after player in the offseason, increasing the uncertainty surrounding her potential departure from the Fever.
Fever president’s stance on Kelsey Mitchell’s future
After showcasing an impressive partnership with Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell solidified her status as a key player on the team. Averaging 19.3 points per game alongside Clark in 2024, fans are hopeful for her continued presence beyond the current season. Team president Kelly Krauskopf emphasized the priority of retaining Mitchell on the roster.
“I don’t think that there’s another team that she could go to that would maximize her skill set better. I mean, she had her best year in a backcourt with Caitlin Clark, and I think they were probably the most dynamic duo,” Krauskopf told IndyStar on January 9.
Indiana showed promise in the 2024 WNBA season, and with the potential addition of Satou Sabally, their postseason prospects could significantly improve. Speculation also surrounds Kelsey Plum possibly joining forces with Clark and company, but the free agency period is far from over.
Edited by Orlando Silva
