The Indiana Fever recently made the decision to core Kelsey Mitchell, per WNBA.com. The move certainly suggests that Mitchell will end up returning to Indiana. However, is she guaranteed to return following this move?
Will Kelsey Mitchell return to Fever?
The Fever's decision to core Mitchell means that she will return to Indiana on a one-year, super-max deal barring a trade. A trade still could come to fruition, though.
The idea of pursuing Kelsey Plum recently surfaced, but that appears rather unlikely unless Mitchell is traded. Mitchell is likely the preferred player anyway, as she has already developed chemistry alongside Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Mitchell, 29, is a two-time All-Star. She enjoyed a strong 2024 season en route to her second career All-Star game. Mitchell ultimately averaged 19.2 points per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from beyond the arc. She also averaged 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.
The Fever would obviously love to have her back for the 2025 campaign, and the only way she wouldn't return is if a trade happens. A trade is unlikely to come to fruition unless Mitchell were to request to be moved. For now, it seems as if Mitchell will end up returning to Indiana, but anything can happen.
What about the Satou Sabally rumors?
The Fever have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Dallas Wings star Satou Sabally, who is a trade candidate this offseason. If Mitchell returns, will Indiana try to acquire Sabally?
Sabally is a forward so the Fever could make the fit work from a roster standpoint. Indiana may need to move some things around from a financial perspective, however. Nevertheless, the Fever may remain a possible suitor for Sabally even if Mitchell officially returns for the 2025 campaign.
It is worth noting that the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury may also be suitors for Sabally, although nothing is official. Most teams around the WNBA would love to add Sabally, who is one of the best players in the league when healthy.
The Fever are looking to take another step toward becoming a true championship contender in 2025. Reaching the postseason in 2024 was an impressive accomplishment, but Indiana is ready for the next step. With Mitchell, Clark and Boston leading the way, the Fever will be a team to watch throughout the upcoming 2025 season.