
With Kelsey Mitchell now extended a core qualifying offer by the Indiana Fever, fans and analysts alike are left wondering whether she will remain with the team or request a sign-and-trade. No matter what direction Mitchell decides to take, the Fever find themselves in a favorable position. If Mitchell opts to leave Indiana, the Fever could potentially gain significant assets in return, possibly including multiple first-round draft picks, which would set them up for future success.
Should Mitchell request a trade, the Fever could look to replicate the success Dallas had when they secured three first-round picks in exchange for Skylar Diggins-Smith. In a similar scenario, the Fever would likely demand at least two first-round picks for Mitchell. If a trade materializes, one of those picks could be from the 2025 or 2026 draft, providing Indiana with the opportunity to select a player like Lauren Betts, who could become the dominant center the team desperately needs. With Betts in the middle, A’ja Boston could shift to power forward, making her one of the top players in the league at that position.
Additionally, the Fever could find themselves in a prime position with the 2027 first-round pick, which could give them a chance to select players like Hannah Hidalgo or Juju Watkins. Both have the potential to become stars in the backcourt, and pairing either one with Caitlin Clark would form a dynamic duo that could rival any in the league. Such a backcourt combination would add an exciting new dimension to the Fever’s future, blending Clark’s offensive brilliance with the playmaking and scoring abilities of Hidalgo or Watkins.
For Fever fans, this uncertain period brings a mix of anticipation and optimism. Whether Mitchell stays or requests a trade, the franchise is positioned to benefit from this crucial moment in their rebuilding process. With talented young players potentially on the horizon, the Fever are in a great spot to emerge as a formidable force in the WNBA. Fans can rest easy knowing that the team’s future looks bright, no matter what path Mitchell ultimately chooses.