Kelsey Mitchell’s latest move foreshadows her staying with the Fever

The Indiana Fever won 49 games in Kelsey Mitchell’s first six years with the franchise before winning 20 last season. It was enough to break the longest playoff drought in the WNBA as Caitlin Clark became an unquestioned superstar. Mitchell had arguably the best year of her career playing off the 22-year-old rookie, but fans wonder if it will continue.

Mitchell is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The Fever can ensure they bring her back, but it would mean offering the two-time All-Star a one-year max contract. Is the new front office willing to pay up? Refusing to core Mitchell will certainly open the door for her departure.

The Fever's guard will play in China this offseason, but she is leaving Indiana after her latest move on Oct. 14.

Kelsey Mitchell hangs out with Caitlin Clark at the Pacers game

The Fever’s All-Stars sat courtside as the Pacers faced the Memphis Grizzlies in preseason action. Clark and Mitchell were posing for photos and shown on the jumbotron during the contest. It should come as no surprise as the Fever were a tight-knit group, and fans have seen Clark hanging with her teammates plenty.

It seems unlikely Mitchell would sit courtside next to her backcourt partner just months before departing. The Fever want her back, and it looks like Mitchell is not planning her departure. The 28-year-old has spent her first seven WNBA seasons in Indiana after being the second overall pick in 2018. She is comfortable on the Fever and looks geared up to run it back in 2025.

Mitchell likely only takes a one-year contract as the salary cap is expected to rise in 2026. She is an elite scorer and floor spacer who played her best next to Clark. Keeping their three stars and upgrading their talent and depth behind them should be the Fever’s offseason goals. They need more pieces around Clark. The Fever want to jump into title contention next season, but that is impossible without Mitchell in Indiana.

The reigning Rookie of the Year is eager to play with Mitchell again. After the Olympic break, the Fever had the best offensive rating in the league with Mitchell averaging 24.8 points on over 50 percent shooting from the field and north of 45 percent on her threes. She gets buckets and takes the pressure off Clark.

Fans should be ecstatic to see Kelsey Mitchell hanging out with Caitlin Clark. It only improves the Indiana Fever’s chances of bringing her back. Expect the franchise to take another step forward, especially if Mitchell returns with a few new tricks up her sleeve.

Things can change quickly, but Mitchell is an elite scorer with more room to grow. Teams will be lining up if she becomes available. The Fever should not let her get away, and Monday night was a positive sign in her staying in Indiana.