Three reasons the Indiana Fever ought to think about trading for Kelsey Mitchell in exchange for blockbuster Kelsey Plum

In the ever-evolving landscape of the WNBA, the Indiana Fever find themselves at a critical juncture in their journey toward championship contention. As the 2025 season approaches, the Fever’s management must explore every possible avenue to strengthen their roster, particularly on offense. One potential, but highly intriguing, move would be trading their current star guard, Kelsey Mitchell, for another star guard in Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces.

While such a trade might seem bold, it would be a strategic decision designed to enhance the Fever’s roster in ways that align with the team’s long-term goals. Both Mitchell and Plum are electric scorers, but their playing styles, leadership qualities, and overall fit with the Fever’s evolving needs present a fascinating opportunity to reshape the team’s future. In this article, we will explore three reasons why the Indiana Fever should think about making such a blockbuster trade.

Reason 1: Kelsey Plum’s Playmaking and Versatility

While Kelsey Mitchell has been the centerpiece of the Indiana Fever’s offense for several years, Kelsey Plum brings a skill set that could elevate the Fever’s entire offense in ways that Mitchell’s current role doesn’t quite facilitate. The key difference is Plum’s ability to not only score but also to orchestrate offense, making her a true dual-threat guard. As a point guard for the Las Vegas Aces, Plum has demonstrated elite playmaking ability that would benefit a Fever team in need of better offensive flow.

Playmaking and Court Vision

Kelsey Plum’s exceptional court vision and passing ability make her one of the best facilitators in the league. Throughout her career with the Aces, Plum has shown an innate ability to run an offense, setting up teammates for open shots, driving and dishing, or finding ways to get to the basket when needed. During her time in Las Vegas, Plum has averaged close to 6 assists per game, and her ability to command the floor as a point guard has helped elevate the Aces’ offensive efficiency.

In contrast, while Kelsey Mitchell is undoubtedly a prolific scorer, her role as a primary scorer often means that she has not been as involved in the distribution of the ball. Mitchell has averaged around 3 assists per game in her career, and although she has made strides as a playmaker, she is not as naturally inclined to set up teammates for success. The Fever often rely on other players to handle the ball and facilitate offense in Mitchell’s stead.

By trading for Kelsey Plum, the Fever would gain a true floor general who can run the offense with more fluidity and cohesion. Plum’s playmaking abilities would free up space for Grace Berger, NaLyssa Smith, and other key players to flourish in their respective roles, allowing them to receive better passes in their sweet spots and create more open looks. This could be particularly valuable for the Fever’s young talent, helping accelerate their development by providing them with better shot opportunities.

Scoring Versatility

In addition to her playmaking, Kelsey Plum is also a prolific scorer. A two-time All-Star, Plum has shown the ability to score both inside and outside with great efficiency. While Kelsey Mitchell is known for her scoring ability, particularly from deep range, Plum is a versatile scorer who can take over a game in a variety of ways. Plum’s ability to break down defenses off the dribble and finish in the paint adds an extra dimension to her game that would complement the Fever’s offense.

Moreover, Plum’s off-ball movement and ability to create her own shot would add a different level of offensive dynamism to the Fever. If Mitchell were to stay with the team, she would remain a focal point of the offense, but Plum would offer a more balanced scoring and playmaking threat. This balance could make the Fever’s offense much more difficult for opposing teams to defend, as the Aces have been one of the most efficient teams in the league largely because of Plum’s scoring versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Reason 2: Championship Experience and Leadership

Another compelling reason for the Indiana Fever to consider trading for Kelsey Plum is the leadership and championship pedigree that she would bring to the team. Plum, who was a key contributor to the Aces’ 2022 WNBA championship run, has played on the biggest stage and excelled under pressure. Her experience in high-stakes games and her leadership qualities would provide the Fever with the kind of guidance and maturity that is invaluable as they continue their pursuit of a championship.

Proven Playoff Performer

Kelsey Plum is no stranger to postseason success. She played a pivotal role in the Aces’ 2022 title, averaging 15.5 points and 4 assists in the Finals against the Connecticut Sun. Her ability to perform at the highest level, under intense pressure, demonstrates that she has the mental fortitude required for championship aspirations. On the biggest stage, Plum has proven that she can take over games, deliver clutch performances, and inspire her teammates to elevate their play.

For the Fever, adding a player with this type of experience and proven ability in the postseason would be invaluable. Kelsey Mitchell, while an incredibly talented scorer, has yet to play in a WNBA Finals or experience the deep playoff runs that Plum has. As the Fever continue their rebuilding phase, they will need players who can lead by example, particularly when the stakes are at their highest. Plum’s leadership would serve as a model for younger players like Grace Berger and NaLyssa Smith, who will need guidance on how to thrive in the postseason. Plum’s professionalism, understanding of how to handle pressure, and ability to keep the team focused on the ultimate goal of a championship would be a major asset to the Fever.

Leadership on and off the Court

Kelsey Plum is not just a leader in terms of her on-court performances; she also exudes leadership off the floor. Her maturity and ability to foster a winning culture have been crucial to the Aces’ success in recent years. Plum’s confidence, energy, and commitment to her team would provide the Fever with a type of leadership that is often essential to long-term success in professional sports.

Her vocal presence, combined with her work ethic, would help elevate the Fever’s younger players, while also offering a strong leadership presence for the team as a whole. In many ways, Plum’s leadership could help reshape the Fever’s culture, ensuring that every player on the roster is pushing for greatness both individually and collectively.

Reason 3: Building Around a New Identity with a Dynamic Guard Duo

By acquiring Kelsey Plum, the Indiana Fever would be setting themselves up for a future defined by offensive dynamism, creativity, and balance. A backcourt of Kelsey Plum and Grace Berger could quickly become one of the most dynamic in the league. While Kelsey Mitchell has been an outstanding player for the Fever, adding Plum to the mix would create a new identity for the team — one centered around balance, creativity, and leadership.

A Balanced Backcourt

Pairing Plum with Grace Berger, a young and promising guard, could give the Fever an enviable backcourt that balances scoring, playmaking, and leadership. Plum’s ability to both score and distribute would take some of the burden off of Berger, allowing her to develop more as a playmaker while also serving as a secondary scorer. This dynamic duo would provide the Fever with an offense that is capable of running in multiple gears, with Plum and Berger’s versatility and complementary skill sets keeping defenses on their toes.

Furthermore, with Kelsey Plum’s ability to create shots for herself and others, Berger could thrive in a catch-and-shoot role, maximizing her scoring potential while learning from one of the best in the business. Having a seasoned player like Plum to mentor Berger would be invaluable in helping her grow into the playmaking role that Indiana envisions for her moving forward.

The Future of the Fever: Championship Aspirations

Building around a dynamic duo of Plum and Berger would also give the Fever a clear vision for the future. With NaLyssa Smith continuing to develop into one of the most versatile forwards in the league and the Fever’s young talent continuing to mature, the franchise could quickly transition from a rebuilding team to a championship contender. Plum’s presence would accelerate this timeline, providing the team with the leadership, experience, and scoring ability required to compete at the highest level.

The move would also signal to the rest of the league that the Fever are serious about contending in the near future. By acquiring a player of Plum’s caliber, the Fever would instantly gain credibility as one of the top teams in the WNBA, and this could attract other players looking to join a contending team.