The Prodigal Two-Time All-Star Returns: What This Means for the Indiana Fever
All-star guard Kelsey Mitchell has officially re-signed with the Indiana Fever, after becoming an unrestricted free agent during the 2025 WNBA Free Agency period. The Fever initially cored Mitchell, meaning she could only leave the team via a trade, and have extended her a super-max $249,000 contract for the 2025 season. Mitchell is a crucial piece for the Indiana Fever and is coming off of her best season yet since joining the organization. She averaged 19.2 points per game and shot 46.8 percent from the field last season, which were individual season-highs. Mitchell was chosen as the second pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever and has played seven seasons with the team thus far.
Kelsey Mitchell’s return marks the first step the Fever has taken to enter the 2025 WNBA season with greater championship caliber, in terms of roster selection. A two-time all-star, she is a stellar fit within the Fever’s current system as an efficient off-ball shooter with shot-creation ability, in conjunction with their primary ball-handler and playmaker, guard Caitlin Clark, and forward Aliyah Boston. This trio of Mitchell, Clark, and Boston helped propel the Fever to their first WNBA playoffs appearance since 2016. Under new head coach Stephanie White, the Fever are expected to continue building from their success last season.
What Moves Should the Indiana Fever Make Next?
The Indiana Fever would benefit from adding depth to their guard lineup. It is currently unknown whether backup point guard Erica Wheeler will return to the Fever or sign with another team, given she is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. If she does not return, the Fever need to sign another point guard to come off the bench for Clark; or, even better, someone who can double as a point and shooting guard, and can mix in with the starting lineup. Lexie Hull was the Fever’s preferred choice as a starting guard alongside Clark and Mitchell toward the end of the season, and she provided much-needed defensive capabilities. Although she shot relatively well last season, Hull is still somewhat of an inconsistent scorer, limited in her playmaking ability, and tends to get in foul trouble. The guard rotation for the Fever doesn’t typically go past Clark, Mitchell, Wheeler, and Hull, so more depth is crucial.
The Fever should also aim to execute a high-value trade for forward NaLyssa Smith. Smith was a frequent starter and contributed 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last season, but struggles to provide the defense that the Fever need and is relatively slow on a fast-paced Indiana Fever team as well. Smith also expressed hints of wanting to leave the Fever team with cryptic tweets and Instagram posts, perhaps in response to her reduced playing time compared to previous seasons. Her girlfriend, Connecticut guard DiJonai Carrington, seemingly fueled this sentiment when imploring the Fever to ‘free’ Smith. Although Smith’s opinion on playing with the Fever in 2025 may have changed after the departure of ex-head coach Christie Sides and the arrival of Stephanie White, trading Smith for a forward who is a better fit for the Fever is in their best interest.
