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Lynx agree to max deals with Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, bring back Natasha Howard
TL;DR
The Lynx have secured max deals with Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride for two years, while also re-signing Natasha Howard for $1.4 million. Howard, a two-time All-Star, returns to Minnesota after a successful stint with Seattle and Indiana.
The Lynx retained a couple big pieces of their current core Sunday, agreeing to two year, reportedly max deals with guard Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride, as two of the team’s bigger “splashes” thus far this offseason.
Minnesota will also welcome back a familiar face, as the team inked a two-year deal with Natasha Howard worth a reported $1.4 million.
The 6-foot-3, 34-year-old forward is a two-time all-star who played for Minnesota in 2016 and 2017, winning a title in her final season with the Lynx. But her career took off when she departed for Seattle.
Howard was the league’s Most Improved Player in 2018 and a first-team All-WNBA player in 2019. Howard averaged 11.4 points per game last summer for Indiana.
“We are happy to be bringing Tasha home to the Minnesota Lynx,” Lynx coach and basketball boss Cheryl Reeve said in a release. “She has earned some impressive accolades since her time with the Lynx, and we look forward to adding her versatile offensive skillset and defensive proficiency to our team.”
She’ll be tasked with helping replace Alanna Smith, who agreed to a deal with Dallas over the weekend. Minnesota’s roster had to be reconstructed with the free agency departures of Smith and Natisha Hiedeman, who agreed to a deal with Seattle.
Bridget Carleton was Portland’s top selection in the expansion draft.
But Minnesota has managed to keep a chunk of its core together. Minnesota extended a core offer to superstar Napheesa Collier last week, granting the franchise exclusive negotiating rights with its best player.
It also maintained its starting backcourt.
McBride has been ever present around Minnesota in recent weeks. In a release, Reeve said there “aren’t enough words” to express what the five-time all-star means to the Lynx.
“Her commitment and love for our organization are special,” Reeve said, “and I’m excited to continue to be part of her incredible career.”
Williams is a two-time all star who solved Minnesota’s point guard conundrum two seasons ago.
“The passion and joy she plays with elevates our team to great heights, and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming years,” Reeve said in a release.
The Lynx also signed Hopkins alum Nia Coffey, a quality depth piece. Minnesota will select No. 2 overall in Monday’s WNBA draft.
Q&A
What are the details of Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride's contracts with the Lynx?
Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride both agreed to two-year max deals with the Lynx.
How much is Natasha Howard's contract with the Lynx?
Natasha Howard signed a two-year deal with the Lynx worth a reported $1.4 million.
What achievements does Natasha Howard have in her basketball career?
Natasha Howard is a two-time All-Star, the 2018 Most Improved Player, and a first-team All-WNBA player in 2019.
