Kelsey Mitchell’s Uncertain Future with Indiana Fever Sparks Supportive Messages from Teammates
As the 2025 WNBA season concludes, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell faces a pivotal moment in her career, having become an unrestricted free agent. The uncertainty surrounding her future with the team was amplified by a recent, deeply personal social media post that has drawn emotional public responses from teammates, including star rookie Caitlin Clark and veteran Sophie Cunningham. Mitchell’s contract with the Fever has officially expired, allowing her to negotiate with any team in the league as she enters her second season as a free agent.
A Cryptic and Emotional Season-End Message
The discussion surrounding Mitchell’s future intensified after she shared a moving tribute on her Instagram account. The post served as a homage to her father, Mark, who passed away in March 2024, and reflected on a season shaped by personal grief. In the caption, accompanied by a gallery of 20 images, Mitchell wrote about her challenging journey through the season.
“Had to get to it differently than everybody else. Grief had me excited for a small piece of it… indifferent for the majority of it. charged it ALL to the game. ain’t no life jacket come for me, word to Him. Pop’s blueprint kept me in survival mode…” she wrote.
The three-time All-Star’s message honored her team but also contained language that many interpreted as a potential farewell to Indiana. The post concluded with a cryptic sign-off that fueled speculation about her departure.
“That survival made me. I don’t know what it all really meant…. just that it meant i stood on all 10 about it. The motto remains: shut up and go hunting. zero, gone…” she continued.
This ambiguous ending, particularly the phrase “zero, gone…”, left fans and fellow players questioning whether her tenure with the Fever had come to a close.
Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham Voice Support
The comments section of Mitchell’s post quickly filled with messages from Indiana Fever players who shared the court with her during the recent season. Among the most prominent responses was one from Caitlin Clark, who expressed her admiration for her teammate.
Clark wrote a heartfelt and direct message, stating: “So lucky to be ur teammate !!! Proud of u kels.”
This public display of support highlights the bond between the two players. Their partnership on the court was notable throughout the season, particularly during a period when Clark was sidelined with a groin injury. In her absence, Mitchell elevated her performance significantly, demonstrating her leadership and offensive prowess for the team.
Another teammate, Sophie Cunningham, also shared a powerful message of support on Mitchell’s post. Cunningham’s comment was concise but left no doubt about her high regard for the guard.
“Everyone’s GOAT,” Cunningham wrote, using the acronym for “Greatest of All Time.”
Cunningham later expanded on her praise for Mitchell during a recent episode of her podcast, “Show Me Something.” She spoke at length about Mitchell’s character and her exceptional performance during the season, even suggesting she was a strong candidate for the league’s Most Valuable Player award.
“Kelsey is the most selfless, humble human you will ever ever meet… And I think if we would have made it, if we would [have] won and she would have been healthy, she should have been MVP,” Cunningham stated. She clarified her position, adding, “I’m not taking away from A’ja [Wilson].. But nobody, nobody in our entire league could stop Kelsey Mitchell this year. And I want to be her biggest fan because she is just, I’m not kidding, the best human that you could possibly ever be around.”
A Season of High Achievement
Cunningham’s praise was rooted in Mitchell’s standout performance for the injury-plagued Indiana Fever. Mitchell was instrumental in leading the team to the semifinals, a run that showcased her capabilities as one of the league’s elite players. Her efforts culminated in her first-ever selection to the All-WNBA First Team.
Statistically, she delivered an impressive season, averaging 20.2 points per game. Her performance also placed her firmly in the MVP conversation. Mitchell was one of five contenders for the prestigious award during the regular season. While A’ja Wilson ultimately secured the top honor, Mitchell, a 5-foot-8 guard, finished sixth in the final voting, a testament to her impact on the court. As Mitchell weighs her options as an unrestricted free agent, the strong endorsements from her teammates and her decorated season have placed her at the center of offseason discussions.
