Kelsey Mitchell Gets Temporary Assurance From Fever’s Top Executive as 29YO WNBA Star’s Future Remains in Doubt

"I'll be honest, I don't know what colors I'll be wearing next year," Kelsey Mitchell admitted on The Players' Tribune earlier this week. That was just the recent of her many remarks that have stemmed uncertainty and concern for those looking to have her back on the Indiana Fever roster next year. But while Mitchell admits to being "selfish" about the process and looking for a team that is best for her, Fever seems to be making up its mind to meet the requirements.

On Thursday's episode of Locked On Women's Basketball, the Indiana Fever's President for Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf spoke about their plans related to their star Kelsey Mitchell and what could it mean for the team.

"Yeah, you know, I think honestly most players who are unrestricted free agents are most likely looking at year deals. So that's not unusual and it certainly doesn't change our opinion of how important Kelsey is, and how important you know she is to returning to this team. So that she's our number one priority," Krauskopf expressed, when speaking about CBA and how the franchise aims to sell her on continuing with the Fever.

Given the CBA is about to renew in 2025, most of the players would be looking at a year's agreement since they might aim to better their salary and negotiate once the new law comes into place. The Fever is looking to navigate that for their star guard.

The veteran has been an asset for the team right alongside Caitlin Clark, forming one of the best backcourts in the W during the second half of the season. She led the young team with her experience and on court, topped the scoring charts. It is only natural for the Fever and Stephanie White — who has emphasized that it is experience she is looking for to build around the young roster — that they consider Mitchell.

Even the former Fever GM and now senior advisor Linn Dunn had enumerated that "Kelsey is our biggest priority." Furthermore, Dunn had also added that the Indianapolis-based franchise would be doing everything to get her back.

"Yes we do have the opportunity to core her. And it would be sort of irresponsible of me if we didn't utilize that opportunity. So you know going beyond that I can't speak to that because I don't know what the future is. And can't really even talk about it. You know as well, so we're really focused on the 2025 season... I feel pretty confident that we have got something to offer," Krauskopf added .

Having last won in 2012, the Gainbridge Fieldhouse team hired White who had taken them to a Championship Finale in 2015, and subsequently to their second-last WNBA playoffs the following year. "The future is so bright, and our ultimate goal is to hang another banner in Gainbridge Fieldhouse," White had stated during the press conference. However, their journey can be cut short considering they have only three main stars.

While Clark was the number one pick during the 2024 WNBA draft, Aliyah Boston was the top pick in the previous year's draft. Hence, the Fever lack an experienced player among their chief contributors and that's where Mitchell comes in. Picked as the second overall pick, the Ohio-born has stayed with the Fever since 2018. Having played 7 seasons for the franchise, the 29-year-old averages 16.8 points with 42.6% field goals, and therefore she can play a major role going for the title.

Meanwhile, Krauskopf also expressed that the Fever takes care of their players and even those who have left either the Fever or their male counterpart Pacers have sometimes regretted it. Concluding the topic, she credited "the fan base around" for maintaining the environment, also subtly hinting that the stars associated with them can make the most of the popularity that comes with being in their team as the Gainbridge "on any given night" will house a number of admirers. But what does Mitchell plan?

Kelsey Mitchell shares an ambiguous post While the Fever looks to get Mitchell back, the 2X WNBA All-Star is keen to explore free agency. "I've never been through free agency, so I'm looking forward to the opportunity to explore that for the first time in my career and have a say in my future as a basketball player," the Fever star who is currently plying her trade in the Chinese league during the off-season had expressed. However, that changed when she posted pictures online.

Mitchell turned 29 on Tuesday and to celebrate the same, she posted a few snaps on Instagram in a birthday carousel post. In the freezes, the Ohio State alum is dressed in the Fever jersey. After all, Mitchell has spent 7 seasons with Indy, and that had fans believe she was expressing her loyalty to the franchise.

While it remains to be seen what decision she will take, the Indiana Fever time and again stressing on the value Mitchell holds for them, only strengthens the speculation that they will be going hard for her. And hopefully, for Clark, her backcourt partner will not ignore the Fever's efforts.