The Indiana Fever are back and the best is yet to come. Caitlin Clark can learn plenty from her historic rookie season, but she already set the WNBA's assists record. Clark is a superstar. It is on the Fever to put the talent around her to compete for a championship.
Indiana has a strong start. Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell are All-Stars flanking the 22-year-old. The Fever need more talent and depth to compete with the top teams, but building begins with Mitchell’s free agency.
General manager Lin Dunn joined the Wake Up Call on 107.5 The Fan on Wednesday morning to discuss various topics. In the interview, she outlined the Fever’s number one goal for the offseason and what the franchise plans to do.
Fever’s top offseason priority is re-signing Kelsey Mitchell
Dunn did not hesitate in answering to bring back Kelsey Mitchell when asked. It will likely take a one-year maximum contract ahead of the salary cap rising significantly in the 2026 offseason. Mitchell is one of the best scorers and shooters in the W. The Fever know she can star next to Caitlin Clark, but can they work out a deal?
Dunn quickly noted that Kelly Krauskopf is in charge of the business and basketball operations moving forward and will talk about a new contract with Mitchell’s agent. The general manager was clear they want her back and will do whatever possible to keep the two-time All-Star guard.
It was not the only move on Dunn’s mind.
GM Lin Dunn says Fever need more talent to compete with top teams
The general manager followed up talking about what Indiana needs heading into the 2025 season.
“Looking at the four teams that are in the finals right now, we need a couple more players. We don’t have as much talent as New York, Connecticut, and Minnesota. They are a couple of years ahead of us, so we need to go into free agency and look for a talented veteran that can take us to the next level.”
Their lack of depth was clear in Game 2 of their first-round playoff against the Sun. Head coach Christie Sides had Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Mitchell, and Lexi Hull locked into her rotation but did not know where to turn for the remaining minutes.
Indiana should be focused on adding shooting and defense around Clark. The 22-year-old is walking elite offense, but her defense is subpar. Getting a perimeter stopper and more players to stretch the floor should be priorities right after re-signing Kelsey Mitchell.
The Indiana Fever face a crucial offseason. They have their superstar but must put the pieces around her to be serious title contenders. Can the franchise do it? They brought back Kelly Krauskopf to accomplish that goal, but it is easier said than done. She built a yearly title challenger around Tamika Catchings, but only time will tell if she can repeat the feat around Caitlin Clark.