Caitlin Clark told reporters Thursday that keeping Kelsey Mitchell in an Indiana Fever uniform stands as the franchise’s clearest offseason goal after a first-round playoff loss.
Mitchell enters unrestricted free agency for the first time following nine seasons with the club. Clark said the two have spoken since the season closed and that the organization intends to pursue her return.
“As far as Kelsey and our future with her, with the organization, I think she knows how much I love her. And we’ve talked since the season has ended. And there’s nobody I would want to share the backcourt with other than her,” Clark said.
She described their pairing as the strongest backcourt season in league history and called Mitchell’s return the top priority.
The Fever closed the regular season at 28-16, matching a franchise high in victories and securing the No. 6 seed. They dropped a best-of-three first-round series to the Las Vegas Aces, 1-2.
Clark averaged 22.3 points, 8.3 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals across 40 games. She shot 44.5 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three-point range.
Mitchell led the team at 24.7 points per game in 44 appearances, adding 2.8 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal. She converted 50.9 percent of her field goals and 45.0 percent of her threes.
Both guards made the All-Star team. Their combined scoring average topped 47 points per game.
Clark operated primarily as the lead facilitator while Mitchell carried the bulk of the scoring load. The arrangement produced career highs for Mitchell and a jump in Clark’s scoring from her injury-shortened 2025 campaign.
The Fever have shared the backcourt since selecting Clark with the first overall pick in 2024. Officials view the tandem as central to any title push.
Clark said she hopes the arena crowd will again chant for Mitchell as an MVP candidate. She called Mitchell a strong locker-room presence who has received steady support from the organization and its fans.
“We need her. We love her,” Clark said. “I hope for the rest of my career I get to play alongside her. That’s how easy she makes my job.”
Mitchell, 30, has spent her entire professional career in Indiana after being drafted second overall in 2018. Her 2026 scoring mark set a personal best and ranked among the league’s highest.
The Fever must also address other roster needs, including frontcourt depth, once Mitchell’s status is settled. Clark indicated the front office plans an aggressive recruitment effort.
Retaining the duo would give Indiana a proven offensive foundation heading into 2027. The club has not won a championship since 2012.
