Mitchell said she must be selfish as Indiana weighs a future built around Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston after a 24.7-point season.
The Indiana Fever's 2026 season ended Thursday after a first-round playoff loss to the Las Vegas Aces, with nine-year veteran Kelsey Mitchell now set to enter free agency.
Mitchell recorded a career-high 24.7 points per game in 2026, shooting 50.9% from the field and 45.0% from three-point range, though the 30-year-old cannot receive the core designation again.
During Saturday's end-of-season media session, Mitchell stated she must be "selfish" regarding her future, saying, "I think that's where I am in my career... what I probably need and what's probably best for me."
The Fever also face a complex decision regarding unrestricted free agent Sophie Cunningham, whom Cox described as a "solid leader" with a productive year on the court.
Indiana looks to build around its young duo of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston to contend for a fourth consecutive playoff berth in 2027, with Mitchell's future a key variable.