The Indiana Fever’s playoff drought finally ended in 2024, thanks to the dynamic trio of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. Now, as the Fever stare down a crucial offseason, Mitchell is sending a clear message: “Show me the money, or show me the door.”
Mitchell, who just wrapped up a three-year, $618,000 contract, isn’t mincing words about her worth. In fact, she let her feelings be known with a rather cheeky Instagram post, quoting none other than Whoopi Goldberg: “Getting paid! I do enjoy a paycheck. I’m not gonna lie.” For those keeping score, her new motto is short, sweet, and brutally honest: “No pay, no play.”
Let’s be real—Mitchell isn’t wrong. The Fever are coming off their best season since 2016, with Mitchell and Clark forming a backcourt duo that made opposing defenses look like a high school JV squad. Add in Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston dominating the paint, and you’ve got a team with legitimate championship aspirations.
A Max Contract or Bust?
Indiana’s front office now faces a simple yet daunting task: pay up or watch Mitchell walk. With $657,639 in cap space, the Fever could offer Mitchell a two-year, $428,932 deal, but let’s be honest, that’s chump change compared to what she brings. For perspective, Breanna Stewart—two-time MVP and queen of New York—earned $205,000 last season. Mitchell made $206,000. Talk about a bargain bin MVP caliber deal.
If the Fever want to stay relevant, they’ll have to dig deep and keep the band together. After all, they finally got a taste of the postseason—why stop now?
Caitlin Clark’s Partner-in-Crime
Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom who redefined what it means to be a floor general, has sung Mitchell’s praises all year. “She makes my life easier out there,” Clark said after a nail-biting 110-109 win over the Dallas Wings. “It’s hard to pick and choose when you have someone like Kelsey beside you. She puts the defense in a blender.”
Translation? Clark needs Mitchell like peanut butter needs jelly. And judging by their combined 65 points in that game, the Fever would be foolish not to keep this dynamic duo intact.
The Clock is Ticking
Mitchell’s stance is crystal clear: If the Fever want more postseason magic, they better open their checkbooks. And honestly, who could blame her? In a league where players often don’t get the recognition—or the paycheck—they deserve, Mitchell’s boldness is a breath of fresh air.
So, Fever GM, consider this your wake-up call. You’ve got the cap space, you’ve got the talent—now it’s time to put your money where your mouth is. Because if Mitchell walks, you’ll be left wondering what could’ve been. And trust us, Indiana fans won’t let you forget it.
In the immortal words of Whoopi Goldberg: “Getting paid? We all enjoy a paycheck.” Mitchell isn’t asking for much, just her fair share. After all, in the WNBA, stars don’t come cheap—and Kelsey Mitchell isn’t just a star, she’s a cornerstone.
Let’s see if Indiana’s front office is ready to play ball—or if they’re about to fumble their brightest future in years.
