The Indiana Fever finally snapped their playoff drought in 2024, setting the WNBA world ablaze with a comeback tale that had fans on the edge of their seats. After languishing in basketball purgatory for nearly a decade, the Fever found their groove, with Caitlin Clark leading the charge as the team’s budding superstar. However, while the champagne was still bubbling after their playoff appearance, reality hit hard: not all of these fan-favorite players will be back next season. Cue the bittersweet farewell tour.
Here’s a look at three players who might be packing their bags faster than you can say “free agency.”
1. Kelsey Mitchell – The Loyal Soldier Ready to Spread Her Wings
Ah, Kelsey Mitchell. The seven-year Fever veteran, who stayed with the team through thick, thin, and let’s be honest—mostly thin—is facing the ultimate dilemma: remain the Robin to Caitlin Clark’s Batman, or find a team where she can finally be the Batman herself?
Mitchell just wrapped up her best season ever, posting career-highs in points, field-goal percentage, and becoming a highlight reel of efficiency. And what did she get in return? A front-row seat to Clark Mania, where it’s all Caitlin, all the time. Now, as an unrestricted free agent, Kelsey’s got no handcuffs—she’s free to court suitors who can offer her the spotlight she’s been patiently waiting for.
Sure, Fever fans might hope the franchise digs deep into its pockets to keep her around, but let’s be real: trying to sell Mitchell on being the second fiddle again is like asking LeBron to come off the bench. Yeah, good luck with that.
2. Temi Fagbenle – The Resurgent Underdog with an Expiration Date?
Temi Fagbenle’s return to the WNBA in 2024 after a four-year absence was the stuff of comeback dreams. The British-Nigerian forward not only made the roster but also posted career-best numbers. She went from being a “Wait, who?” to a “Okay, she’s pretty solid” kind of player.
But with Indiana feverishly searching for their next head coach, Fagbenle’s future is shakier than her free-throw percentage. The team could re-sign her, given she’s a restricted free agent, but let’s not pretend her WNBA track record screams “must-have veteran.” Only 91 games played since 2016? Yeah, that’s not exactly the kind of experience you want next to Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, especially with Kelsey Mitchell possibly jumping ship.
Fagbenle might stick around, but don’t be surprised if she ends up on the free-agent clearance rack, available for a team willing to roll the dice on a role player with… potential.
3. Erica Wheeler – The Veteran Traveler Looking for One Last Ride
Erica Wheeler has been everywhere, man. From Indianapolis to Los Angeles, and back again, Wheeler has made a career out of being the WNBA’s ultimate utility player. But after a 2024 season where her stats took a nosedive like your stocks during a market crash, the writing’s on the wall: Wheeler may be looking at the end of the line.
At 33, Wheeler’s age and waning impact make her more of a nostalgia signing than a cornerstone player. And while she provided some solid minutes off the bench, it’s clear that Indiana is on a youth movement—emphasis on “youth”.
Could she catch on with another team desperate for a veteran presence to coach the kids from the sidelines? Maybe. But with the Fever eyeing the future, it’s hard to see her sticking around for another tour of duty in Indy.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for the Fever (With or Without You)
The Fever’s 2024 season was a fairy tale, but the offseason is setting up to be a harsh wake-up call. With major changes coming in both the coaching staff and roster, the Fever will look different next year. While Caitlin Clark will undoubtedly remain the face of the franchise, the departure of familiar names like Mitchell, Fagbenle, and Wheeler signals the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with even more uncertainty and perhaps some growing pains.
