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Kelsey Mitchell leaving the Fever—Is this a step forward or a setback for the team?

In 2018, Kelsey Mitchell entered the Indiana Fever as the second overall pick in the WNBA draft. As the second most hyped player after A’ja Wilson, she received a staggering $232,178 offer over four years. Following the lucrative offer, she inked her current $618,000 extension for three seasons in 2021. She remains one of the two highest-paid veterans on the Fever. However, that may soon change as she becomes a free agent just ahead of the team’s “exciting” update.

It’s a big moment for the Indiana Fever. For the first time ever, they’ll be officially hosting the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game on their home court. Kelsey Mitchell, who led the team in scoring last season, was among the first to share her thoughts. “I guess I was excited,” she said on August 15th in a very hesitant tone.

Then she paused for a while and continued, “Obviously, I’ve been in Indy the last few years of my life. But I’m excited that Indy gets a chance to host it. Shout-out to Indy for that. So I’m excited for them and the city.” But the excitement did not seem to latch onto the fans with her ‘third person’ address.

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https://x.com/matthewbyrne1/status/1824132848774979861?s=46

Mitchell’s contract with the Indiana Fever will come to an end this year. While she did not explicitly speak about her resignation, she might have hinted at it with her tone and by saying, “I’m gonna do what’s best for me. It’s always going to be a business. I’m excited to explore that idea. I’ve never been in free agency.

Mitchell is clearly planning something, and it’s getting noticed. However, it looks like her potential farewell isn’t being received all positively.

Fans Mixed reactions on Mitchell’s contract extension

As soon as X users picked on Mitchell’s doubtful tone, they were quick to share their thoughts in the comments section. “’I’m excited for THEM,’” wrote a user with a thinking emoji. It seems even spectators are triggered by the Indiana Fever guard’s use of third-person when referring to the team she has been playing for since her arrival in the WNBA.

What’s your perspective on:

Kelsey Mitchell leaving the Fever—Is this a step forward or a setback for the team?

Have an interesting take?

“I would like her to stay. We love her!!” penned a spectator. Kelsey Mitchell is among the best players on the Indiana Fever. This year, she made her second consecutive appearance in the All-Star Game. While her potential farewell shocked some, many fans want her to stay.

As one of the two veterans on the Fever, Mitchell is an effective, speedy player. She finishes rapidly at the rim and shoots nearly perfectly beyond the arc. As of now, she averages 16.9 points per contest. “But, but… I love Kelsey Mitchell,” added another X user.

But then, the team hasn’t won a championship since her arrival either, let alone qualify for playoffs. This had a fan understanding Mitchell’s decision if she were to leave. “She’s tired of losing, can’t blame her if she wants to weigh better options,” one admitted.

Another one with a split opinion suggested, “I’d hate to see her go but the Fever could use that cap space and build around CC and AB with 2 way role players.” Fever currently has a cap space of a little over 650,000. With her relief, Fever is expected to get in at least a max contract contract, a few mid, and build a team around a possible Big 3 including the previous 2 no.1 drafts.

Regardless of what the fans opine, the chances of Mitchell staying seem quite low. What do you think? Will she stay or leave to witness 2025 WNBA All-Star at Indianapolis?

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.

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