Kelsey Mitchell Says No to Overseas Money: Project B Still Getting Her This December

Kelsey Mitchell just inked a $1.4 million deal with the Indiana Fever, and she's making it crystal clear that's enough. The three-time All-Star told Project B this week that she's staying locked in on the global touring league launching in December, even as the WNBA's salary bump is making her reconsider the offseason grind overseas.

At the Fever's media day on Wednesday, Mitchell was blunt about where her head is at. It would take a "drastic, unique situation" to pull her away from Project B, she said. After nine WNBA seasons and a career-best 20.2 points per game last year, finishing fifth in MVP voting, Mitchell's realized something: chasing overseas checks is eating into her game.

Protecting the Craft Over the Cash

"Where I'm at in my career now, I'd rather play it smart," Mitchell explained. "Make sure my body is what it needs to be. And then also, respecting my craft. I feel like sometimes when you go overseas, you lose sight on some of the perfecting of the skills that you miss out on just because you're going to try to make a couple dollars."

This is a huge shift for Mitchell. She's spent most of her career grinding in overseas leagues during the WNBA offseason. But last year, she stayed stateside and played for Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. "That was good basketball, and it's in the United States, so I can't really complain," she said.

Project B Is Ready to Count On Her

Project B isn't sweating Mitchell's recent comments about potentially sitting out overseas play. The upstart touring league confirmed to Front Office Sports on Thursday that Mitchell is still all in. She's one of 13 WNBA players committed to the league, which will hit various countries with its final stop in Tokyo from March 26 through April 4.

Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, and Sophie Cunningham are also locked in for the league. For Mitchell at 30 years old and in her ninth WNBA season, Project B represents a chance to stay sharp without sacrificing everything in the name of a payday. Expect her to be front and center when the league tips off in December.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.