Basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller has urged the Indiana Fever to keep star guard Kelsey Mitchell.
Miller warned Indiana about the All-Star guard’s contract situation as she enters free agency in the offseason.
Mitchell’s one-year, supermax contract with the Fever is set to end following the 2026 WNBA season. Indiana’s campaign ended after it was eliminated by the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 of their first-round playoff matchup on Thursday.
In a recent appearance on “WNBA Showtime” on Peacock, Miller said Indiana should prioritize retaining the 30-year-old because failing to do so will have major repercussions for the organization.
“You better make that young lady happy,” Miller said. “You better keep Kelsey Mitchell there. Otherwise, Indiana Fever, it’s a wrap. It’s a wrap for you if that young lady leaves.”
Miller issued the warning even though the Fever will still have Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston on the roster next season. The former WNBA coach and general manager is adamant that losing Mitchell will be a massive blow for the team.
Mitchell, a four-time WNBA All-Star, was the second-leading scorer in the regular season with 24.7 points per game behind reigning MVP A’ja Wilson (26.2 points). The 5-foot-8 guard has been with Indiana since the team selected her as the second overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft.
During her exit interview, the former Ohio State standout said she plans to be “selfish” with her upcoming decision about her WNBA future.
Beyond Mitchell’s contract situation, the Fever also have to deal with Caitlin Clark, who will be eligible to sign a contract extension during the offseason. Indiana also has other players entering free agency, including Sophie Cunningham.
