Kelsey Mitchell and free agency: 3 reasons to avoid signing with Paige Bueckers and the Wings

Kelsey Mitchell is in the spotlight after becoming an unrestricted free agent following the 2025 WNBA season.

While teams like the Dallas Wings, led by Paige Bueckers, could try to sign her, Mitchell faces a decision that could define her legacy: stay with the Indiana Fever or explore a new chapter in her career.

Kelsey Mitchell and the chemistry with Caitlin Clark: A priceless bond

One of the most compelling reasons for Kelsey Mitchell to remain in Indiana is her partnership with Caitlin Clark. Together, they have formed a formidable duo that has restored the Fever relevance in recent years.

Mitchell, with her experience and local talent, has become a cornerstone of the team, complementing Clark and Aliyah Boston in the pursuit of excellence.

Switching teams could mean losing the chemistry she has built and the prominence she has cultivated over eight seasons.

Additionally, Kelsey Mitchell is intimately familiar with the style and philosophy of coach Stephanie White, with whom she maintains a strong relationship based on trust and communication.

This bond could be key to sustaining competitiveness and aiming for a championship, something Mitchell has made clear is her goal.

This makes no sense whatsoever. The only logic for wanting to leave Indy is to be the #1 option, so going to a worse team, while being a #2 option again and NOT having the best passer/passing big makes no sense pic.twitter.com/FlSK625omP

— Mick (@DBGyt_) October 17, 2025

Path to a championship and personal reasons to stay

Another reason Kelsey Mitchell might choose to stay is the opportunity to win a title with the team that drafted her in 2018.

The Fever proved last season that they can challenge even the champions, the Las Vegas Aces, taking a game to overtime despite injuries.

With Mitchell as a central piece, Indiana could become a serious contender if it manages to keep its core intact and overcome the physical challenges that marked the previous campaign.

Finally, personal life also weighs heavily on Kelsey Mitchell decision. Living close to Indiana allows her to maintain stability and stay near her family, something she has publicly valued after her last season.

As she stated in her exit interview, the team and city feel like a second family: a place where she feels at home and has grown as both a player and a person.

Kelsey Mitchell decision will not only impact her immediate future in the WNBA but could also reshape the dynamics of multiple teams, including the Dallas Wings.