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Fever Make Kelsey Mitchell Decision Before WNBA Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Enzo Flojo | Last updated Jan 17, 2025 1:01 AM ET

The Indiana Fever have made a pivotal offseason move, designating Kelsey Mitchell as a core player for the first time in her seven-year WNBA career.

By extending a core qualifying offer, the Fever secure exclusive negotiating rights with Mitchell, as explained by Chloe Peterson of Indy Star. Mitchell has been one of the franchise’s cornerstones and leading scorer for much of the past seven years.

In return, Mitchell is guaranteed a supermax salary of approximately $249,000 for the 2025 season, solidifying her place as one of the highest-paid players in the league.

This move signals Indiana's commitment to preserving its formidable backcourt duo of Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, who also averaged 19.2 points per game in 2024, anchoring one of the most lethal guard tandems in the league.

The Fever have officially cored Kelsey Mitchell, according to the WNBA transaction log.

They officially have exclusive negotiating rights in exchange for a one-year, supermax salary. pic.twitter.com/2XqPxPeAGB
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) January 16, 2025

Mitchell, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft, has spent her entire career with the Fever, becoming a consistent offensive force and a two-time All-Star (2023, 2024). Her designation as a core player is only the fifth in the franchise’s 25-year history, putting her in the esteemed company of legends like Tamika Catchings, according to Peterson.

With the Fever holding a cap space of around $657,000, they remain well-positioned to not only re-sign Mitchell but also attract top-tier talent during free agency to complement their promising young roster.

While Mitchell has expressed her deep ties to Indianapolis, she has also hinted at balancing loyalty with ambition as she navigates free agency.

The Fever’s decision, however, ensures they have every chance to retain their star.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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