Kelsey Mitchell, a WNBA All-Star and key player for the Indiana Fever, has reached the end of her three-year, $618,000 contract with the team, signed back in 2022. After the Fever’s early playoff exit in 2024, where Mitchell, alongside rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, fell just two games short of advancing, many are anxiously awaiting her free agency decision. Mitchell, who played for Ohio State before joining the WNBA, has become an integral part of the Fever’s roster. Her potential return could significantly impact the team’s prospects for the coming seasons, especially with young talents like Clark and the 2023 No. 1 pick, Aliyah Boston, by her side.

Indiana Fever’s President of Basketball Operations, Kelly Krauskopf, has expressed the team’s strong desire to keep Mitchell, affirming her importance to the future of the franchise. However, the decision ultimately rests with Mitchell, leaving fans on edge. The Fever have made it clear that they want her back to build on the team’s recent momentum and Mitchell’s stellar performance in 2024, where she achieved career-highs, including an impressive 19.2 points per game on 46.8% shooting. With Mitchell at the peak of her career, bringing her back could create one of the WNBA’s most formidable trios.

A recent sighting of Mitchell at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, alongside her current teammates Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery during the Indiana Pacers’ preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies, has fueled speculation that she might stay. This appearance has excited Fever fans, many of whom took to social media to voice their optimism about her return. The atmosphere among the fanbase is electric, with posts like “Kelsey isn’t going anywhere!” and “This must mean she’s re-signing” flooding online conversations. Fans clearly hope that Mitchell will commit to staying, solidifying the Fever’s lineup for years to come.

Mitchell’s 2024 season has been her best yet, making her a valuable asset in the league. Not only did she guide the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, but her leadership and offensive prowess were evident throughout the season. If Indiana manages to secure her for another contract, the franchise could be on the verge of a new era, competing at the highest level with an exciting young core.

As the basketball world waits for Mitchell’s next move, one thing is certain: her decision could shape the Indiana Fever’s future for years to come. If she stays, fans will undoubtedly feel reassured, and the Fever will have the foundation they need to be a competitive force in the WNBA.