Kelsey Mitchell signed a three-year contract worth $618,000 with the Indiana Fever, fully guaranteed. The deal includes an average annual salary of $206,000. For the 2024 season, Mitchell is set to earn a base salary of $212,000, which also reflects her cap hit for the year.

Kelsey Mitchell has had an impressive career in the WNBA and beyond. Here are some of her key highlights:

1. **WNBA All-Rookie Team (2018)**: Mitchell made an immediate impact in her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, earning a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team due to her scoring ability and sharp shooting.

2. **WNBA All-Star (2023)**: Mitchell was selected as an All-Star for the first time in 2023, highlighting her status as one of the league’s top guards and a key player for the Fever.

3. **Top 10 in Scoring (Multiple Seasons)**: Known for her scoring prowess, Mitchell has consistently ranked among the WNBA’s top scorers, utilizing her three-point shooting and ability to create shots off the dribble.

4. **Ohio State University All-Time Leading Scorer**: Before joining the WNBA, Mitchell had a stellar college career at Ohio State, where she became the program’s all-time leading scorer and set multiple records for three-pointers made.

5. **WNBA Three-Point Contest Participant**: Mitchell’s sharpshooting skills earned her a spot in the WNBA Three-Point Contest, showcasing her ability to shoot from deep.

6. **International Success**: Mitchell has also played professionally overseas, further developing her game and proving her versatility and scoring ability on the international stage.

7. **USA Basketball Experience**: Mitchell has represented the United States in international competitions, bringing home medals and gaining valuable experience against top-tier global talent.

These highlights reflect Mitchell’s growth and impact as a dynamic scorer and leader on the court, making her one of the standout guards in the league.

Kelsey Mitchell’s contract with the Indiana Fever, valued at $618,000 over three years with an average annual salary of $206,000, can be compared to contracts of other WNBA guards of similar caliber to understand her market value and positioning within the league. Here’s how her deal stacks up:

1. **Comparison with Top Guards**:
– **Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings)**: Signed a multi-year contract extension worth approximately $241,984 annually, making her one of the highest-paid guards in the league. Ogunbowale’s contract reflects her All-Star status and scoring ability, which is slightly higher than Mitchell’s deal.
– **Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm)**: Loyd, one of the league’s premier guards, signed a deal averaging over $230,000 per year. Her contract value surpasses Mitchell’s due to her All-WNBA selections and championships, positioning her among the league’s elite.

2. **Comparison with Similar Players**:
– **Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream)**: Gray’s contract averages around $190,000 annually, closely aligning with Mitchell’s salary range. Both players are valuable scorers and versatile guards, making Mitchell’s contract competitive.
– **Skylar Diggins-Smith (Phoenix Mercury)**: Diggins-Smith’s contract, averaging about $224,870 annually, reflects her star power and veteran leadership. Though slightly above Mitchell’s, this deal highlights the market for experienced, high-scoring guards.

3. **Younger and Up-and-Coming Players**:
– **Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty)**: Ionescu, still on her rookie-scale contract, is projected to earn significantly more in future deals due to her rising star status and marketability.
– **Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream)**: As a top draft pick, Howard’s rookie contract doesn’t yet reflect her potential future earnings but is expected to surpass Mitchell’s as her career progresses.

4. **Mitchell’s Contract Value**:
– Mitchell’s contract places her in a solid mid-tier among WNBA guards. While not at the very top financially, it reflects her consistent scoring ability, experience, and impact on the court. Her fully guaranteed deal shows the Fever’s commitment to her as a foundational player.

Overall, Mitchell’s contract is well-aligned with similar players in the league, demonstrating her standing as a top contributor while leaving room for potential growth in earnings with continued performance and accolades.