The Indiana Fever could be without guard Kelsey Mitchell next season. The veteran was selected No. 2 over in the 20018 WNBA Draft has played nine season with the Fever.
“I’ve never been in another uniform; I’ve never had to talk, even discuss, another organization, so it’s a lot to hash out,” Mitchell said during Fever exit interviews.
“I just think I got to be selfish about where my career is going a little bit in terms of some of the things, as I get older, what’s important for me. Whether it be winning, whether it be my own individual success, I worked my tail off to be here, though. So, whatever I do, it’s going to come from a selfish standpoint. I’ll be honest about that.”
Mitchell is an unrestricted free agent for the first time. In 2025
and 2026, she was cored by the franchise, giving the Fever exclusive negotiating rights. Mitchell can't be cored for a third time, which means she'll be able to test the free agent market and speak with any team.
Indiana will not want to lose Mitchell, given she just had the most productive season of her career. Alongside Caitlin Clark, she's become one of the WNBA's most devastating backcourt duos. Mitchell set the WNBA scoring record for the most points in a single season (1,086 in 44 games) and the league record (27 consecutive games) for scoring 20 or more points. Mitchell averaged 24.7 points per game on 51% shooting, plus 2.8 assists and one steal per game. The 30-year-old also shot 45% from deep, which led the league.
“Kelsey is obviously a major priority,” Fever general manager Amber Cox said. “She has a lot of equity in this franchise and has put in a lot of time. … Kelsey obviously has the opportunity and has earned the right to explore what other opportunities are out there, but our goal is for her to be a Fever girl for the rest of her career.”
If Mitchell doesn't re-sign with the Fever, here are three destinations she could consider:
Kelsey Mitchell WNBA free agency landing spots
Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries, who are currently in the WNBA semifinals after two seasons in the league, have proven they can be a destination for any player, including high-profile free agents, and push for a title in their fledgling years. Last offseason, they signed forward Gabby Williams, and this offseason, Kelsey Mitchell could be another huge pickup. Pairing Mitchell with Williams and Veronica Burton, plus Golden State's depth (35.9 bench points, first in the WNBA), would be hard to stop. Mitchell brings added scoring and spacing that the Valkyries could use.
Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics are one of the grittiest young teams in the WNBA, with a high-octane defense (103.3 rating, second in the WNBA) and an offense that can also roll when it gets going. Adding Kelsey Mitchell to a young core that includes Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron and Georgia Amoore would be electric. Mitchell elevates their ceiling and brings veteran presence. What's more, Washington will likely have the cap space to accommodate a max contract that Mitchell will command.
Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury might not be high on the list of teams to sign Kelsey Mitchell. First, they to figure out if another Kelsey is returning. If Kelsey Plum, who is also a free agent, walks, then signing Mitchell becomes feasible. Adding the four-time All-Star next to the walking triple-double that is Alyssa Thomas could work well. Thomas is a master facilitator (8.5 per game) and would presumably have little issue finding Mitchell. Pair Mitchell and Thomas with WNBA champion Kahleah Copper, who is still one of the WNBA's best bucket-getters (20.9 points per game), and Phoenix could make some noise with its new Big 3.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where could Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell sign? Three intriguing free-agent fits
