Entering the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and finishing the season with a solid 20-20 record, the Indiana Fever had a great run last year. A big part of that success came from their trio: Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. Together, they became what some are calling the “three-headed monster.” Now, fans are holding their breath, hoping to see this trio back together on the court next season. And there might just be some solid hints that Kelsey Mitchell will be sticking around for another season. 

Although Mitchell is an unrestricted free agent with the WNBA moving into the free agency period this off season, fans are convinced she is returning. Why? Because they have been noticing her presence on literally every single media asset regarding next season’s schedule.

Over the past season, the guard proved her prowess, especially during the final stretch of the regular season. Playing alongside Caitlin Clark, she turned into one of the WNBA’s top scorers. Together, the duo made the Fever’s offense one of the best and most efficient in the league during the last 15 games of the season.

The “Big 3” was tough to guard for every team possible. The rookie sensation brought in just the force. She broke the single-game record for assists with 19 and set a season record for threes made. Then there was Aliyah Boston, last year’s first overall pick and Rookie of the Year. 

The 6-5 forward finished in the top ten in both rebounds and total blocks. And all of it wouldn’t have been possible if they didn’t have their veteran Kelsey’s back. 

She’s been there through it all, steadily contributing over the years. However, it was this season where she truly shone and unleashed her full potential after being drafted in 2018. Therefore, she’s given fans every reason to believe she should stay and continue to help the Fever grow into a true contender. 

Kelsey Mitchell’s future in Indiana Fever: All signs point to staying, Fans thrilled

Fans are feeling pretty confident about Kelsey Mitchell’s staying. One fan made it clear, saying, “Absolutely. She’s staying. 🥳” The confidence here is pretty palpable. There’s a strong sense that the Fever has every intention of keeping her, and they’re going to do everything they can to make it happen. “she’s our number one priority,” Fever’s President for Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf had expressed last month. That’s only building the hopes. 

“I’m saying too!!” another wrote in agreement, much summing up the majority sentiment. 

Then, obviously, there’s the matter of Mitchell’s performance last season. Starting 38 out of 40 games and averaging 32 minutes a night, she put up 19.2 points per game and shot a solid 40.2% from three. That’s no small feat. She was the most experienced player on the young roster, which made her role even more important. 

However, another comment brings up an important point. What if Mitchell isn’t all in? 

 “Because if it’s up to them, they’re 100% keeping her. It’s her choice at this point.” 

“They want her back, that’s no secret, they’ve been clear. What we don’t know is what KM wants 🤷‍♂️. They are going to core her, and from there, it’s in KM’s hands because if she wants out, she will be traded. You don’t want a malcontent on the team regardless of the production,” one fan noted. 

Kelsey Mitchell has expressed that she is going to be making a “selfish” choice and consider a team that is best for her. That was during the exit-interview. More recently, on Player’s Tribune, she admitted she wasn’t clear about her future yet. So the speculations run wild. If the guard isn’t fully invested, it wouldn’t be good for either side. 

Lastly, not to forget what Fever head coach Stephanie White said. She mentioned the team’s Big 3 during her introductory presser and how the team’s missing veteran presence. Mitchell is already that veteran. One fan pointed out that “They feature her so heavily. I just think she wouldn’t be such a big part of Steph’s next year plan if she wasn’t staying.” 

It does make sense. The new coach is focused on bringing in veterans to push the team toward a championship in 2025. The Fever has the cap space to add another max player and re-sign Mitchell. Let’s just hope they keep the core intact and build on last season’s momentum with more key edditions.