The Indiana Fever are no strangers to shaking things up, but their 2024 season might end up being remembered more for drama off the court than their first WNBA playoffs appearance since 2016. Despite a successful campaign, fans of the Fever might soon be waving goodbye to two stars—Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith—potentially leaving Caitlin Clark to steer the ship solo. Talk about awkward…
Kelsey Mitchell’s Free Agency Drama
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: Kelsey Mitchell, the sharpshooter who has carried the Fever through thick and thin, is set to become a free agent. Mitchell’s departure could leave a hole in Indiana’s offense big enough for Caitlin Clark to drive a semi through. Gainbridge FieldHouse might need to start preparing “Missing: 17.8 PPG” posters, as Mitchell’s departure could sting more than a bad foul call.
But wait—there’s more! As if Mitchell heading for free agency isn’t bad enough, NaLyssa Smith’s social media behavior has sparked rumors that she’s packing her bags too, and Fever fans aren’t exactly standing in her way.
NaLyssa Smith’s Bizarre Exit Drama
Let’s talk about Smith, the 6’4” forward with impressive stats on paper (10.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG) but a playoff performance so underwhelming it could make your high school coach cringe. In their first playoff game in almost a decade, Smith played just 13 minutes and didn’t manage to score a single point. Ouch. Understandably, she seems salty about it, wiping all mentions of the Fever from her social media accounts like an ex trying to erase the memories of a bad breakup.
But here’s the kicker: Smith’s potential exit has less to do with her on-court production and more to do with her off-court antics. During the playoffs, a video surfaced of Smith and her girlfriend, DiJonai Carrington, making light of an incident where Carrington poked Caitlin Clark in the eye during a game. Fans didn’t appreciate the “accidental” poke, and seeing the duo joke about it was like throwing gasoline on an already smoldering fire.
To put it mildly, Fever fans aren’t crying over Smith’s possible departure. In fact, they’re practically helping her pack.
Where Could Smith Land?
Fans have already begun to speculate where Smith might go, with many pointing to the Connecticut Sun as a likely landing spot. Why? Well, because why not? Apparently, the poking incident and all the associated drama haven’t done much to dampen Smith’s value in the trade market. Fever fans seem more than happy to let her go, posting on social media things like, “Time to trade Smith to the Sun,” and “Unfortunately, it will be with another team.”
With so much chatter about Smith’s exit, it’s hard to know if there’s any love left between her and the Fever organization. At this point, it’s probably safe to assume that the Fever’s 2025 roster will look drastically different, and Caitlin Clark might have to get used to a little more solo spotlight next season.
What’s Next for the Fever?
So where does that leave the Indiana Fever? Well, with the possibility of losing two stars and tension thicker than a triple-overtime thriller, it’s clear that the team could be headed for a major shakeup. Clark, who’s no stranger to carrying a squad on her back, might have to do just that if Mitchell and Smith make their exits. Fever fans, buckle up—next season could be a wild ride.
As for Smith, maybe it’s time to put down the phone, cool it on the Instagram antics, and focus on what really matters: basketball. Or not. We’re here for the drama either way.