Caitlin Clark’s second season in the WNBA didn’t go as planned. Injuries slowed her down, but the Indiana Fever still managed to surprise everyone by reaching the semifinals. They pushed the Las Vegas Aces to the limit and came just one win away from the Finals. The run gave Indiana momentum and turned attention toward Clark’s backcourt partner, Kelsey Mitchell, one of the league’s most consistent scorers.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings find themselves at a crossroads. Rookie sensation Paige Bueckers took the WNBA by storm, winning Rookie of the Year and bringing energy back to the franchise. Still, Dallas finished tied for the worst record in the league. With another top draft pick coming in 2026, the team knows it needs more than youth to compete. It needs proven stars.
This offseason might be the chance to make that happen.
Dallas looks to pair Bueckers with Mitchell
According to reports from The Athletic, the Wings are exploring a major move: signing Kelsey Mitchell from Indiana. Mitchell, a three-time All-Star, averaged 20.2 points per game last season and remains one of the most reliable three-point shooters in the league. Her speed and scoring touch would make her an ideal fit next to Bueckers, whose passing and midrange game thrive when surrounded by shooters.
what a year for Kelsey Mitchell pic.twitter.com/jhcQGGKQta
? Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 13, 2025
Indiana has said re-signing Mitchell is its top priority, but with nearly every veteran player in the league entering free agency this year, competition will be fierce. Salary cap pressure and the uncertainty surrounding the new collective bargaining agreement could also open the door for a team like Dallas to make an aggressive offer.
If Mitchell joins the Wings, it could mark the end of Arike Ogunbowale’s run in Dallas. The four-time All-Star had a down year, averaging 15.5 points on 36 percent shooting. Adding Mitchell would instantly reshape the backcourt and give Dallas one of the most dynamic offensive duos in the WNBA.
A new rivalry could be brewing
For the Wings, signing Mitchell would be more than just a roster move. It would be a statement. Taking one of Caitlin Clark’s key teammates and pairing her with Bueckers could set up the league’s next great rivalry. Clark vs. Bueckers was must-watch basketball in college, and it could soon define a new era of the WNBA.
Even with uncertainty around the CBA, Dallas is expected to move quickly once free agency begins. The Wings want to build a contender around their young star, and stealing a top scorer from Indiana might be the first step toward that goal.
As ESPN and Sports Illustrated have reported, Dallas is viewed as one of the most ambitious franchises this offseason. With Bueckers at the center of their rebuild and Mitchell potentially on the way, the Wings could go from rebuilding to playoff-ready in a single summer.
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