It was just one week ago that Kelsey Mitchell made history, becoming the first player in WNBA history to sign a seven-figure contract. The Fever signed her to the new supermax, worth 20% of the salary cap ($1.4 million).
Drafted second overall by Indiana in 2018, Mitchell is entering her ninth season — and the organization would like her to finish her career in Indianapolis.
But Mitchell has another contract up — her shoe and apparel deal.
She has previously been a Nike athlete, but told Fieldhouse Files on Wednesday that she is now a sneaker free agent.
Mitchell wore a pair of purple Nike shoes on the first day of training camp, but for media day on Wednesday, she switched things up — appearing in Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton’s signature Puma shoes.
The model: the Hali 1 ‘Halucinating,’ a colorway inspired by Haliburton’s unpredictable year and his shift back to form as he prepares for next season.
The release only became available last month.
Could Mitchell make a similar move — from Nike to Puma?
“I love Tyrese Haliburton as a person, even more as a player. I’m just kind of like figuring some things out and trying some things out. But I said, ‘Why not?’
“In the city of Indianapolis, with a guy like Tyrese Haliburton and all of the things he’s done for the Pacers, it was only right to see where I’m at.
“Puma feels really good today, so shout-out to Tyrese.”
Mitchell is coming off a career season with the Fever, finishing fifth in MVP voting while leading the team to Game 5 of the semifinals in Las Vegas before her body gave out.
Watch her full interview from media day below.