Kelsey Mitchell’s future with the Indiana Fever has already started a big debate. The four-time All-Star will enter unrestricted free agency. Some people believe the Fever could struggle badly if Mitchell leaves.

However, WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita does not agree with that view. Speaking on her Courtside Club podcast on Wednesday, DeMita said the Fever would not simply fall apart without Kelsey Mitchell.

“I don't agree with the takes that the Indiana Fever just completely dissolves if Kelsey isn't there. I don't think that's fair at all,” DeMita said. “I think Kelsey has been great, but we've also seen what the team was like when Kelsey was there, and Caitlin wasn't there. That team wasn't making the playoffs.”

DeMita shared the clip of this particular discussion on Courtside Club X, where she based her point on what the Fever looked like before Caitlin Clark joined the team.

She also said Indiana needs to look at its full core and make the right decisions for the team’s future.

Indiana missed the playoffs in each of Mitchell’s first six WNBA seasons. Clark’s arrival then played a big role in the team’s rise.

Still, the debate is not only about Kelsey Mitchell. DeMita believes Indiana must also show that it can build the right team around its best players. That puts more pressure on the Fever’s front office.

Fever’s big three face bigger expectations

DeMita, in the same podcast, talked about what could happen if Mitchell, Clark, and Aaliyah Boston all stay in Indiana. She believes the Fever would have very few excuses if that group remains together.

“If she is there, there's a system to figure out, but there's no excuse. If you get back this big three, Aaliyah, Kelsey, and Kaitlin, there really is no excuse to not figure it out this time,” DeMita said.  

DeMita put the responsibility on Indiana’s front office to build a team that can help its stars succeed. 

“And if you can't figure it out, this is to the front office. If you can't figure it out, then you're wasting these women's prime years because there is no reason. And if you can't figure it out, blow up the team, get rid of people,” DeMita said. 

Mitchell’s free agency makes this even more important. She has spent nine seasons with Indiana and will enter unrestricted free agency for the first time. 

After the Fever lost to the Aces in the playoffs, Mitchell spoke about her future. 

She said, “I have to be selfish,” while explaining that she would make her next decision based on what is best for her career, according to the October 03, 2026 report by Kareem Copeland on ESPN. 

Those comments have increased the talk about a possible exit. Mitchell has also spoken about the pressure of playing with Clark and the challenge of playing for fans who may not like her.

However, some people have also warned the Fever about losing Mitchell. Basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller said Indiana needs to keep her.

Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams also noted that Mitchell had her three best seasons during the three years she played with Clark.

For now, Mitchell will decide her own future. But DeMita’s comments raise a bigger question for the Fever.

If Mitchell stays, Indiana must find a system that works for its best players. If she leaves, the Fever must still prove that one free-agent decision cannot decide the team’s future.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Kapil Manghnani brings over 4.5 years of experience in sports journalism, covering a wide range of sports, including Soccer, NHL, Tennis, Gymnastics, NASCAR, Swimming, and more. He has written for leading sports platforms, producing everything from breaking news and features to in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, long-form stories, and short-form content. Beyond articles, he has also scripted long-form storytelling videos for YouTube channels. His work focuses on delivering well-researched, engaging, and reader-first sports content across multiple formats.

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