News broke last week that the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will take place in Indianapolis. This understandably got fans excited over the prospect of seeing Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark play in front of her home fans for what should be her second All-Star appearance.

One Fever player who did not seem too eager about the news was Kelsey Mitchell, who herself has been on the All-Star stage twice in her career. While the 5-foot-8 guard said that she was excited about the news, the way she delivered her statement did not exactly match her declaration.

“I guess, I was excited,” Mitchell said last week, via Fever beat reporter Matthew Byrne of ClutchPoints. “Obviously, I’ve been in Indy for the last years of my life. But I’m excited that Indy gets a chance to host it. Shoutout to Indy for that, I’m excited for them.”

This statement did not inspire confidence in the fans in terms of Mitchell’s future with the Fever considering how the former No. 2 overall pick is entering free agency in the offseason.

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) © Joe Timmerman/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

True enough, Mitchell, who forms one-half of the Fever’s starting backcourt alongside Clark, recently made her intentions about her looming free agency abundantly clear. While she did not exactly declare her desire to leave Indiana, she did hint at the possibility of her looming exit.

Clark, she breaks the WNBA single season rookie assists record

“Those conversations are going to have to be had, and I’m gonna do what’s best for me,” Mitchell said last week, via Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star. “It’s always going to be a business, so I’m excited to explore free agency. I’ve never been a free agent in my professional career, so I’m excited to see where it goes.”

For what it’s worth, Mitchell entering free agency does not necessarily mean that she will be parting ways with the Fever. Indiana can (and they very likely will) offer her a contract extension, but at the same time, the former Ohio State superstar is also able to entertain offers from opposing teams.

Losing Mitchell would be a tough blow for Indiana. Clark has thrived alongside Mitchell, and there is perhaps no better testament to this notion than how these two combined to set a WNBA record during their 98-89 win over the Phoenix Mercury on August 16.

Clark (29 points, four triples) and Mitchell (28 points, six treys) became just the ninth duo in league history to record at least 25 points and four three-pointers in a single game. Simply put, the chemistry between these two guards has been integral to Indiana’s success thus far.

Mitchell has played all seven years of her WNBA career in Indiana, and there’s no denying that the Fever’s resolve to keep her on board will be tested this coming offseason.