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Fever might be 'cooked' without Kelsey Mitchell, warns former NBA star

The Indiana Fever face a critical offseason dilemma as star guard Kelsey Mitchell signals she may prioritize her own future over returning to the franchise. Mitchell, who just wrapped her most productive season with a league-high 1,086 points and an average of 24.7 points per game—second only to MVP candidate A'ja Wilson—has openly hinted at exploring free agency without guarantees.

Her decision could leave the Fever without one of the WNBA’s top scorers, a concern echoed by former NBA guard Brandon Jennings, who warned the team’s prospects would be ‘cooked’ without her. The Fever’s recent struggles, including a first-round playoff exit this year and a semifinal appearance in 2025, have only heightened the pressure, with Mitchell criticizing the intense scrutiny tied to playing alongside rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.

With rising salary demands—including a potential max contract extension for Clark—the team may struggle to retain Mitchell, whose prime performance and marketability make her a prime free-agent target. Without her, the offensive load would shift even more to Clark, who despite her breakout 2026 season continues to battle efficiency and turnover issues.

The Fever’s future hinges on whether Mitchell decides to stay or if the franchise can adapt to a roster centered around Clark’s dual role as primary scorer and playmaker.

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