Today, we have some exciting news for WNBA and Indiana Fever fans—the details for the Golden State expansion draft are finally here. As expected, each team will be able to protect six players from their roster, which means Golden State can only draft a maximum of one player per team. Let’s dive into how this will impact the Fever.

As it stands, teams can protect six players, leaving the rest of the roster eligible for selection. Golden State can select only one player per team, and players designated as unrestricted free agents must still appear on a team’s protected or unprotected list. That includes Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever, who, for example, can’t be part of a special list; she must be either protected or unprotected.

The Fever find themselves in a unique position compared to some of the deeper WNBA teams. Many teams play a deep roster, giving crucial minutes to multiple bench players, but the Fever’s rotation is thinner. This actually works in their favor for the draft since they won’t lose as many key contributors as teams with deeper benches. The Fever’s situation, though, is made trickier by a contract issue with Kelsey Mitchell, which we’ll get into shortly.

The Fever are an interesting case because some of their best players—like Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark, and Aaliyah Boston—played extensive minutes, sometimes going 40 minutes a game. This heavy reliance on their core group raises questions about fatigue and depth, especially as the team could make playoff runs like in this post season. Still, their limited depth is now an advantage in terms of protecting players.

Who Should the Fever Protect?

With the draft around the corner, it’s easy to pick six players the Fever should prioritize. Here’s my take:

Caitlin Clark

– No doubt the standout player.

Aaliyah Boston

– A core part of the team’s future.

Lexi Hull

– Played a key role, transitioning from bench to starter.

Tami Fagbenle

– Despite being older, she’s still an essential part of the team.

Demiris Dantas

– Provides versatility as both a forward and center.

Kelsey Mitchell

– The only question here is her contract situation.

Kelsey Mitchell’s future with the team is the big wild card. She’s close to securing a max contract, and it’s rumored the Fever may use their “core” designation on her, similar to the NFL’s franchise tag. However, there are whispers that Kelsey may not want to stay with the Fever. If that’s true, forcing her to stay could cause tension similar to the situation with NaLyssa Smith, who had issues with head coach Christy Sides and wanted out before the season began.

If the Fever core Kelsey Mitchell, they will have secured one of their top players. But if Kelsey expresses a desire to leave, the Fever may need to rethink their strategy. Why protect a player who doesn’t want to stay?

Potential Surprises

While it seems like the Fever have a straightforward six to protect, things could change. Teams like Golden State might take a chance on a younger, less proven player like Grace Berger or Victoria Saxton. Saxton could become an important piece, especially with NaLyssa Smith likely gone and questions about Katie Lou Samuelson’s return.

The Fever’s situation could get even more complicated with the upcoming CBA changes and the possible expansion of more teams. If they don’t figure out Kelsey Mitchell’s future before the December 6 expansion draft, they could be left scrambling.

There are plenty of “what ifs” here. Could Indiana leave Mitchell unprotected, hoping to sign her back as a free agent after the draft? It’s hard to say, but it’s definitely something the team needs to consider before the expansion draft. If they lose Mitchell, who would they protect instead?

Looking Ahead

This offseason could be pivotal for the Fever. With the possibility of NaLyssa Smith leaving and the uncertainty around Kelsey Mitchell’s free agency, the Fever must navigate the expansion draft carefully. Players like Grace Berger and Victoria Saxton will likely get more chances to shine next season, especially if veterans like Erica Wheeler, who’s heading into her mid-30s, don’t return.

The Fever are at a crossroads, but the team has a core group of young stars to build around. If they can keep Mitchell, Clark, Boston, and Hull together, they’ll be set for the future. Let me know in the comments—who would you protect? Should the Fever leave Kelsey Mitchell unprotected, or is she essential for their future?