Kelsey Mitchell's Immediate Reaction to Caitlin Clark's Parting Message

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Kelsey Mitchell's Immediate Reaction to Caitlin Clark's Parting Message

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 22, 2026 8:36 PM ET

Caitlin Clark sent a heartfelt parting message for the 2026 WNBA season on Thursday night.

Things did not go according to plan for Clark in Year 3. After finishing with a franchise-best 28 regular-season wins, the Indiana Fever were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces.

After an injury-plagued 2025 campaign that limited her to just 13 games, Clark returned with a vengeance this season. She averaged a career-high 22.3 points on 44.5% shooting, 4.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.1 steals, while also knocking down 2.9 three-pointers on a 36.1% clip.

Clark expressed her gratitude for her recently concluded season through an Instagram post.

“Thankful for a season of being healthy and doing what I love ❤️ had so much fun this year, but now it’s back to work

“…and lots of really cool shoes still on the way” she wrote.

View this post on Instagram

Kelsey Mitchell was among the first to react to Clark’s parting message. The four-time All-Star had two words for her backcourt partner.

“da one” Mitchell responded.

Mitchell also had a tremendous year for the Fever in 2026. The 5-foot-8 guard was Indiana’s driving force, averaging a career-best 24.7 points on 50.9% shooting, 1.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 3.1 triples per game. Mitchell finished third in the MVP race, while Clark finished fourth behind her.

Together, Clark and Mitchell established themselves as one of the league’s most potent backcourts. However, there is no guarantee they will be back together next season.

Clark is still under contract with the Fever through 2027. However, Mitchell is set to enter unrestricted free agency in the offseason as her one-year deal with the team expires.

Clark has already expressed her desire for the Fever to re-sign Mitchell. The 30-year-old, though, said she plans to be “selfish” as she navigates free agency this offseason.

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

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