Busy Offseason for Caitlin Clark

INDIANAPOLIS — The offseason is still fresh for Caitlin Clark, but she’s already had quite a whirlwind experience, which, I guess, comes with the territory of being a superstar.

Just days after her season wrapped up, Clark made her way to Iowa City to participate in College Gameday with her team, the Iowa Hawkeyes. After resting throughout the summer to avoid further aggravating a back injury during the season, she has also hit the golf course again, or perhaps more accurately, she’s in the process of rediscovering her golf swing.

“Honestly, I feel a bit embarrassed admitting this,” Clark shared. “I got to the first tee and, well, I completely missed the ball… It was definitely a humbling moment, but I’ve managed to figure it out since then.”

Things hardly slow down for Clark, even during the offseason. But this year, it’s shaping up to be anything but ordinary for her or the Indiana Fever. After facing the Aces in the playoffs for the second consecutive year, the Fever’s season has come to an end once again. Although Clark participated in this year’s series after missing last year’s playoffs due to injury, the results didn’t change.

This season has been lengthy and taxing, with just as many, if not more, storylines happening off the court compared to on it. Not surprisingly, Clark’s exit interview on Thursday covered both on-court and off-court topics.

Addressing Racism and Hate

It’s become somewhat common for Clark to speak out on issues of racism and hate. It’s unfortunate that some, including public figures, have attempted to use her as a symbol in a narrative she has consistently rejected, leading to an unwanted spotlight.

Throughout her career, Clark has publicly objected to her name being associated with hate or racist language many times. She did so during her rookie year and again this season.

No other player has had to navigate this kind of scrutiny as frequently as she has, if at all.

Just last week, during her exit interview, Kelsey Mitchell mentioned the hate she has received “specifically as an Indiana Fever basketball player.” Though she didn’t directly say it, there was a sense that this attention was intensified by Clark’s presence on the team.

Mitchell’s comments weren’t aimed at Clark, but rather highlighted the challenges faced by players on the Fever.

“I did see Kelsey’s comments, and as her teammate, it honestly frustrates me because I care about my teammates so deeply,” Clark said. “People using me to showcase hate or discrimination—that’s not something I stand for.

“It’s just never been what I’m about. For those who know me, you understand that’s not how I was raised, and it’s disappointing when people do that… When I see anything like that, it upsets me, makes me sad, really disappointed because that’s not who I am.”

After Mitchell’s interview, Clark reached out to express her appreciation. She thanked Mitchell for her supportive words, both as a person and as a player, and credited her support as someone who “has really uplifted me.”

Clark acknowledged that all this attention can be overwhelming, especially considering Mitchell was the Fever’s star for many years before Clark’s arrival.

“There were times when it might have been tough for her, with me coming in here,” Clark said. “Kelsey had this team for seven years, and then suddenly, there’s a lot of attention brought onto the team. That’s a significant shift.”

On the basketball front, the Fever have one clear objective this season, which Clark reiterated.

They need to bring Kelsey Mitchell back.

As Mitchell approaches her second consecutive All-WNBA season and enters unrestricted free agency, the stakes are high. Indiana can’t core her, making her potential departure a very real possibility.

Clark is eager to lead the charge in convincing Mitchell to stay with the Fever.

“I know this organization; we’re going to put in all our effort to bring her back,” Clark stated. “We’re going to recruit her hard. Every player under contract is going to do the same. We need her. We love her.”

The Fever’s offseason strategy will heavily depend on Mitchell’s choice. She’s likely to command a maximum deal, which the Fever can afford. Last season, she and Clark had one of the best backcourt performances in the league’s history.

Both players are expected to receive First Team All-WNBA honors and likely finish among the top five in MVP voting. Mitchell, turning 31 this offseason, is in peak performance, averaging a career-high of 24.7 points per game last season with remarkable efficiency.

While their backcourt isn’t without flaws, especially defensively, they are an unmatched offensive force. Clark believes this is just the beginning of their potential.

“I hope she comes back, and the crowd is chanting ‘M-V-P’ for her again because that’s what she deserves,” she remarked. “She’s been with this organization for ten years if we can sign her back. That’s definitely our aim.

“It’s my number one priority. I hope in my career I get to play alongside her.”

The league’s new collective bargaining agreement introduced the Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract (EPIC) extension, enabling players to negotiate their fourth rookie year into a three-year extension with a significant pay raise if named to an All-WNBA team.

Aliyah Boston signed her EPIC extension with the Fever last offseason. This year, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are eligible, while Paige Bueckers will become eligible next year.

For Indiana, many of the anticipated cap maneuvers this offseason were based on the assumption that Clark would sign her extension. However, she seemed uncertain about that prospect.

“I think there’s a lot to consider,” Clark noted. “It’s great to have that opportunity. As for myself, we haven’t yet discussed roster construction. We need to think about salary cap implications and who we will be signing and what they can contribute to the team.

“Not saying I’m definitely going to sign it or not. It’s about figuring out how to build our roster. Regardless, I’m committed to being here. I want to do what’s best for the team and ensure we have a shot at winning championships.”

Clark mentioned that “winning championships” was a key focus of her inquiries about her extension, clearly outlining her main goal. If she hesitates on that extension, it could provide the Fever with more flexibility.

There’s also a chance that, similar to Boston last offseason, Clark might take a lower first-year deal to increase the team’s financial capabilities. Between her rookie deal, restricted free agency, and the option to core a player, Clark is set with the Fever for years to come.

She has also emphasized her enjoyment of being in Indiana and her desire to compete for titles with the Fever. While she has been clear that she hasn’t made a final decision about her extension, it seems evident that she’s willing to contribute to building a contender.

“My focus is on winning,” Clark emphasized. “I know my worth and what I deserve, but sometimes sacrifices are necessary. I think it’s an important opportunity given in the CBA, and if you have this chance, it should mean a lot and be something to take pride in.

“But personally, I want to explore how I can help this team succeed.”