Kelsey Mitchell Comments on Free Agency
Kelsey Mitchell has sparked conversations regarding the world’s most observed women’s basketball team after sharing her thoughts on her upcoming free agency. The Indiana Fever guard said, “I have to be selfish,” emphasizing the importance of focusing on her own needs at this stage in her career. It’s been a journey—it’s all a bit overwhelming, really, since she’s played for just one team throughout her career.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier seems more cautious about her future. She’s not rushing to make any commitments after finishing a significant one-year deal. In a rather calm exit interview, Collier noted, “I haven’t even thought about that.” She expressed her love for the organization and her teammates but added that she hasn’t had the chance to really contemplate what’s next for her.
It’s hard to believe someone so accomplished—someone who co-founded a $650 million startup and is also a mother—hasn’t thought about where she’ll be next season. But, who knows? Life can be hectic.
Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, another standout, is also part of the 2027 free-agent class, with opportunities to negotiate lucrative deals starting on February 4 with any of the league’s teams.
As for the Liberty, they’re in a somewhat different situation. After being eliminated by the Dream in the semifinals, they don’t have a major unrestricted free agent to worry about. The team’s veteran Rebecca Allen, who signed a one-year contract worth $350,000 last winter, has announced her retirement from the WNBA following this season.
Additionally, Anneli Maley, who has played a limited role on the roster, is also slated to be an unrestricted free agent. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton started the season on an expiring contract, but after a tough period where she was removed from the rotation amid trade discussions, she was waived and finished the year with the Washington Mystics.
On the brighter side for the Liberty, their core trio—Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu—are secure with three-year contracts that extend through 2028. Satou Sabally is set to begin her second year under a free-agent deal as she continues to recover from a concussion suffered midseason.
Marine Johannes and Rebekah Gardner will approach the offseason as restricted free agents, while Leonie Fiebich, Pauline Astier, Han Xu, and Marine Fauthoux are still under team control.
So, for the Liberty, while changes are on the horizon, they don’t seem to stem from free-agent losses. The path ahead looks intriguing, at least.
