The Atlanta Dream were just one victory away from winning their first WNBA championship.
And now, an extremely interesting name has emerged as a potential offseason addition.
Kelsey Mitchell.
Yes, THAT Kelsey Mitchell.
The Indiana Fever superstar is preparing to enter unrestricted free agency, and a recent article published through Yahoo Sports raised the possibility of Atlanta pursuing Mitchell or fellow star guard Kelsey Plum.
And honestly?
If the Atlanta Dream somehow managed to acquire Kelsey Mitchell, I believe they would immediately become one of the favorites to win the 2027 WNBA championship.
But there’s one major question.
Can Atlanta actually make it happen?
Kelsey Mitchell Emerges as an Interesting Possibility
A recent FanSided article distributed through Yahoo Sports identified Jordin Canada as a potential trade candidate for Atlanta.
The reasoning?
Atlanta needs more consistent perimeter shooting.
Canada remains an excellent defender and capable playmaker, but her outside shooting has been an area of concern.
That’s a significant weakness for a team trying to win a championship.
The article suggested that trading Canada could potentially create financial flexibility for Atlanta to pursue a scoring guard such as Mitchell or Plum.
And that’s where things get extremely interesting.
Because Mitchell would address one of Atlanta’s most glaring weaknesses.
Original article: 3 Dream Players Atlanta Needs to Move On From and Replace for Next Year — Yahoo Sports
Kelsey Mitchell Is Coming Off an INCREDIBLE Season
Let’s talk about what Mitchell accomplished in 2026.
The Indiana Fever star established herself as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the entire WNBA.
Her reported regular-season averages were outstanding.
- 24.7 points per game
- 50.9% shooting from the field
- 45.0% shooting from three-point range
We’re talking about an elite offensive player who can score at all three levels.
And that’s exactly the type of player Atlanta desperately needed during the WNBA Finals.
Imagine adding that kind of offensive production to a roster featuring Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese, and Brionna Jones.
That’s almost unfair.
Mitchell wouldn’t just provide another scoring option.
She would completely change how opposing defenses approach Atlanta.
Would Mitchell Be the Missing Piece?
Here’s what I find fascinating about this possibility.
The Dream don’t necessarily need another superstar.
They already have an extremely talented roster.
But throughout the WNBA Finals against Golden State, Atlanta struggled to consistently generate offense when opponents made defensive adjustments.
That’s where Mitchell could completely change things.
She’s capable of scoring from beyond the arc, attacking the basket, and creating shots when an offensive possession breaks down.
Imagine a backcourt featuring Mitchell and Allisha Gray, with Rhyne Howard operating on the wing.
Defenses would have some extremely difficult decisions to make.
Double-team Gray?
Mitchell can punish you.
Focus on Mitchell?
Howard could find herself with more opportunities.
And with Reese creating second-chance possessions, Atlanta could become an offensive nightmare.
I genuinely believe Mitchell could be the missing piece that pushes this team over the top.
But There’s One BIG Problem
Here’s where we need to be realistic.
Mitchell isn’t going to come cheap.
She’s entering unrestricted free agency after an outstanding season, and Indiana has plenty of reasons to prioritize retaining her.
Meanwhile, Atlanta already has significant financial commitments to several members of its championship core.
The Dream would likely need to make roster or salary adjustments to create enough flexibility for a serious offer.
And there’s another question.
Would Mitchell actually want to leave Indiana?
She’s spent her entire WNBA career with the Fever and has developed an outstanding partnership with Caitlin Clark.
It’s important to emphasize that Atlanta has been floated as a hypothetical destination. There is no confirmed report that Mitchell is negotiating with the Dream or that Atlanta has made an offer.
Still, that doesn’t mean the possibility isn’t worth discussing.
The Dream Should At Least Explore It
Here’s my biggest takeaway.
I don’t believe Atlanta should make unnecessary changes simply because it lost Game 7.
This team is already good enough to compete for a championship.
But when a player of Mitchell’s caliber becomes available, you have to explore the possibility.
The Dream are preparing to move into State Farm Arena full-time in 2027.
They have an established championship core.
And they’re coming off one of the most successful seasons in franchise history.
Adding Kelsey Mitchell would send a massive message to the rest of the WNBA.
Atlanta isn’t satisfied with reaching the Finals.
It wants to win the whole thing.
Now, whether the Dream can realistically afford Mitchell remains to be seen.
But if there’s even a legitimate opportunity to acquire one of the league’s most explosive scorers?
I believe Atlanta should make the phone call.
Because the difference between another Finals appearance and finally winning a championship might be one elite scorer.
And Kelsey Mitchell could be exactly that player.
