Last week, it was announced that the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will be held in Indianapolis, sparking excitement among fans eager to see Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark shine on her home court. Anticipation is high for what could be Clark’s second All-Star appearance, but the news has also cast uncertainty over the future of her backcourt partner, Kelsey Mitchell.
Mitchell, a two-time WNBA All-Star, didn’t seem as thrilled about the All-Star announcement as some might expect. Though she expressed excitement, her tone suggested otherwise. “I guess, I was excited,” Mitchell said in a statement shared by Fever beat reporter Matthew Byrne of ClutchPoints. “Obviously, I’ve been in Indy for the last years of my life. But I’m excited that Indy gets a chance to host it. Shoutout to Indy for that, I’m excited for them.”
Kelsey Mitchell on her reaction to the Fever hosting the 2025 ASG: “I guess, I was excited. Obviously, I’ve been in Indy for the last years of my life. But I’m excited that Indy gets a chance to host it. Shoutout to Indy for that, I’m excited for them.”
Mitchell will be an FA. pic.twitter.com/4WLmNnUEUp
— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) August 15, 2024
This lukewarm response has fueled speculation about Mitchell’s future with the Fever, especially as the former No. 2 overall pick enters free agency this offseason. Recently, Mitchell made it clear that she’s open to exploring her options. While she didn’t explicitly state her intention to leave Indiana, she did hint that she’s considering all possibilities.
“Those conversations are going to have to be had, and I’m gonna do what’s best for me,” Mitchell said, via Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star. “It’s always going to be a business, so I’m excited to explore free agency. I’ve never been a free agent in my professional career, so I’m excited to see where it goes.”
Mitchell entering free agency doesn’t necessarily mean she’s leaving the Fever. Indiana is likely to offer her a contract extension, but Mitchell will also have the freedom to entertain offers from other teams.
Losing Mitchell would be a significant blow for the Fever. Her partnership with Caitlin Clark has been a driving force behind Indiana’s success this season. The duo’s chemistry was on full display during their 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on August 16, where they set a WNBA record. Clark (29 points, four three-pointers) and Mitchell (28 points, six three-pointers) became just the ninth pair in league history to each score at least 25 points and hit four or more threes in a single game.
Mitchell has spent all seven years of her WNBA career in Indiana, making her potential departure a pivotal moment for the franchise. The Fever’s commitment to retaining her will be put to the test this offseason, and the outcome could significantly impact the team’s future.
