Kelsey Mitchell is an unrestricted free agent after the most productive season of her career, and the Indiana Fever’s biggest challenge in keeping her may have nothing to do with money. Mitchell scored a league record 1,086 points this season, but in her end of season interview she said playing for the Fever has been hard because of the abuse she and her teammates receive from fans tied to Caitlin Clark’s spotlight.
Clark responded Thursday, Oct. 8, calling Mitchell a good soul and saying the Fever will recruit her as hard as they can. Mitchell, 30, has already said she plans to be selfish about her decision.
What did Kelsey Mitchell say about playing with Caitlin Clark?
Speaking Saturday, Oct. 3, after Indiana’s first round loss to the Las Vegas Aces, Mitchell said showing up every day to compete for fans who may or may not like you is hard. She added that because of the attention on Clark, her teammates take a lot of criticism just for being on the same team.
She praised the organization but said finding a sense of authenticity in Indiana has been difficult. That is a striking admission from a player who has spent all nine of her WNBA seasons with the Fever since being drafted second overall in 2018.
How did Caitlin Clark respond?
Clark said what Mitchell has gone through makes her upset. She went further than many expected, saying she does not stand for anyone who uses her name to spread racist rhetoric, hate or discrimination. She tied the issue to what athletes face across sports, pointing to tennis star Coco Gauff’s recent comments about her own experiences.
On the court, Clark was clear. She said there is nobody she would rather share a backcourt with, that she hopes to play alongside Mitchell for the rest of her career and that Mitchell makes her job easy.
Why are WNBA voices telling Mitchell to choose herself?
Several former players and analysts, all Black women who know the league from the inside, have urged Mitchell to put herself first. Broadcaster Ros Gold-Onwude said on the Court Vision podcast that Mitchell could reach new levels elsewhere and that it may be time to be selfish. Former Atlanta Dream star Angel McCoughtry asked whether loyalty should cost Mitchell her peace at this point in her career. ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike said Mitchell’s scoring would fit any system and that at 30 she should make the most of her prime.
That is the part of this story the box score cannot show. Mitchell’s decision is not only about minutes or money. It is about whether a Black woman who has given a franchise nearly a decade should keep absorbing hostility that has nothing to do with her play.
Is the abuse problem bigger than Indiana?
Mitchell is not alone. Aces star A’ja Wilson had an altercation with a fan in Indianapolis during the playoffs, and teammate Jackie Young objected to courtside fans there in August. Phoenix forward Alyssa Thomas said she received death threats and racial slurs after a suspension tied to contact with Clark.
Fever general manager Amber Cox said last week that attacks on the team’s fan base have no basis in reality. Former Fever player Brianna Turner, treasurer of the players union, publicly called that statement false.
Where could Kelsey Mitchell sign?
The Fever paid Mitchell a supermax this season and have room to bring her back, but Aliyah Boston’s four year extension and Clark’s upcoming new deal will tighten their budget. Clark has said she will consider the roster before signing.
The Washington Mystics have the least guaranteed money on their 2027 books and need scoring. The Golden State Valkyries, despite their playoff success, could use a go to scorer. The Aces could have an opening if Jackie Young leaves in free agency.
What happens next?
Free agency will open after the playoffs end. Mitchell has the leverage of a historic season, a league that wants her and teammates who want her back.
The question is no longer whether Kelsey Mitchell is worth a max deal. It is where she will feel free to simply play.
