WNBA Free Agency: Indiana Fever makes bold move to lock in Caitlin Clark alongside 2x All-Star

The Indiana Fever have several questions to address this offseason, especially about the future of their Big Three. Kelsey Mitchell has been an integral part of this team and is seen as one of the key pieces for its potential success after being named an All-Star in the 2024 WNBA season.

The team's front office has decided to give Mitchell the core designation amid uncertainty about her future. This decision has become popular in the WNBA, as the Las Vegas Aces were reportedly set to do it with Kelsey Plum and the Dallas Wings did it with Satou Sabally.

The core qualifying offer solidifies the Fever's exclusive negotiating rights with Mitchell. She gets a guaranteed supermax offer of $249,000 for the 2025 season. If the 2016 WNBA champions decide to part ways with her, they'd get something in return or could use her to unlock negotiations for a potential trade for Satou Sabally.

Mitchell has played seven years with the Eastern Conference franchise after being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. Coming off two straight All-Star selections, she was one of the most intriguing names in the offseason, but her potential exit from the Fever could not go as easily as expected.

Fever president made clear statement about plans for Kelsey Mitchell

After forming a terrific duo with Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell confirmed that she's one of the most valuable players on her team's roster. They both averaged 19.3 points per game in 2024 and plenty of fans are calling for her to stay beyond the 2024 season. Team president Kelly Krauskopf made it clear that keeping Mitchell on the roster was a priority.

“I don’t think that there’s another team that she could go to that would maximize her skill set better. I mean, she had her best year in a backcourt with Caitlin Clark, and I think they were probably the most dynamic duo,” Krauskopf told IndyStar on January 9.

Indiana was already one of the most interesting teams in the 2024 WNBA season. If they keep Mitchell and add Satou Sabally, their chances to compete in the postseason will get considerably higher. Even Kelsey Plum has been named a potential player to join Clark and Co., but there's still a long way to go before the end of free agency.