Decision time is nearing for the Indiana Fever to make a move regarding veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell.
The former Ohio State star and seven year player Mitchell has reached the end of her three year contract extension with the Fever and now the team, under new management, has a decision to make.
Fever GM Amber Cox has made her stance on this situation very clear
"Kelsey Mitchell is our top priority heading into free agency. She in my mind is a cornerstone of this franchise," she said.
Mitchell, although brand new to free agency, is not unfamiliar with the ups and downs of the franchise over her seven seasons. "She has endured a lot, has won a lot, so I really want her here to enjoy what is to come," Cox said.
But what price will this all come with? The Fever certainly have the option to core Mitchell, allowing her another guaranteed season with the team with a chance to strike a long term deal at a later date. The core in the WNBA is similar to that of the franchise tag in the NFL. Doing this would give the Fever negotiating rights allowing Mitchell to receive the super max salary of $249,000 for the season, something no other team in the league can offer her.
Mitchell hits free agency after having her best season after averaging 19 points a game, which also comes along with sharing the back court with first year teammate, Caitlin Clark. These two arguably make up the best back court in the WNBA given the consistent numbers they put up all last season.
Re-signing her will certainly create an opportunity for the Fever to be championship favorites for 2025. Mitchell has been very open about wanting to explore any and all possible options in free agency.
The only real way that she can get out from under the Fever is requesting a sign-and-trade out option, but this still would not likely come until after her core year is up. The Fever have to grant other teams permission to meet and negotiate with Mitchell.
As the core-eligible period remains open now until Jan 20, fans will remain anxious until her final decision is made.