While Caitlin Clark's TIME Magazine article remains the center of attention for WNBA fans this offseason, one Fever player has continued making waves overseas.
Kelsey Mitchell has done nothing but dominate since beginning her season with the Shanxi Flame during the WNBA offseason.
The 29-year-old put in another monster performance on Saturday, a 30-point outing on nearly 46% shooting from the floor. Mitchell tied her season-high of five three-pointers, a feat she has accomplished four times in 11 games.
Kelsey Mitchell continues to impress with the Shanxi Flame in China 😮💨#FeverOverseas pic.twitter.com/cxF3s5kEGA
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) December 16, 2024
In addition, Mitchell also filled up the rest of the stat sheet. She tallied five assists grabbed five boards to go along with a steal.
Mitchell is continuing to put together a tremendous season in the WCBA. In her 11 games with the Flame, she has less than 20 points just once. Saturday's performance was her second 30-point game of the season.
The performance is also Mitchell's seventh game this season with 25+ points in a single game, and her fourth-straight game eclipsing the mark.
Mitchell is averaging 25.2 points per game, strengthening her case for a larger contract during free agency. The Indiana Fever already had an incentive to re-sign her in her play during the 2024 WNBA season, but Mitchell's stock continues to rise.
This offseason, the Fever are in danger of parting ways with Mitchell and forward NaLyssa Smith. Smith's apparent feud with the organization has been on the minds of Fever fans, but Mitchell would be a tougher pill to swallow. Mitchell played exceptionally well with WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, making it vital that the duo reunites on the court in 2025.
The give-and-take to Mitchell's superb play overseas is that now her services will be highly coveted in free agency. Much like every team has a case to approach the Seattle Storm regarding a trade for Jewell Loyd, every team should be approaching Mitchell with a contract offer. She appeared to enjoy her time in Indiana, and new head coach Stephanie White implied that she has every intention of bringing Mitchell back.
Now begins the waiting game. The WNBA Free Agency period begins on Sunday, January 21, 2025. The Fever have until then to come up with an offer too good for Mitchell to refuse.