The Minnesota Lynx Flopped in Free Agency

Easily the most important player to re-sign, Collier agreed on a one-year, $1.4 million deal. This keeps her in Minnesota for at least one more year. Collier is the team’s best all-around player and will look to return to form following an ankle injury in last year’s playoffs. 

The Lynx also managed to re-sign Courtney Williams to a two-year, $2.5 million deal. After stepping into the starting role last season, Williams totaled a career-high 271 assists. This season, she projects to be one of the team’s highest scorers next season alongside superstar forward Napheesa Collier.

Kayla McBride signed a similar contract to Williams. Despite being 33-years-old, she provides high-quality defense and ranks among the league’s best three-point shooters. In her five seasons with the Lynx, McBride has never shot under 34.2% from beyond the arc. 

Notable Losses

Despite re-signing Williams, Collier, and McBride, the Lynx let many of their other important players from last season walk. Some of these names include Alanna Smith, Natisha Hiedeman, and DiJonai Carrington. 

Last season, Smith earned Co-Defensive Player of the Year alongside the Aces’ Wilson. Smith also proved to be a valuable scorer in Collier’s absence last season. However, the Lynx let her and fellow forward Jessica Shepard walk to the Dallas Wings. 

Hiedeman played a valuable role off the bench last season, averaging 9.1 points per game and 2.8 assists per game. She was best known for her off-court friendship with Williams, a duo dubbed the “Stud Budz.” She left for Seattle and will play for the Storm next season on a two-year, $1.5 million contract. 

Carrington was a trade deadline acquisition last season, and in her 11 games with the Lynx, she averaged 8.6 points per game. The 28-year-old was unlikely to re-sign, and she has taken her talents to Chicago to play alongside new draftee Gabriela Jaquez.

The Lynx also lost forward Bridget Carlton to the WNBA Expansion Draft, as the Portland Fire made her the No. 1 pick and the new face of their team. Carlton’s best season came in 2024, averaging 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Her stats will likely improve as Portland’s top option next season.

New Faces in Minnesota

The Lynx did, however, sign both Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey as unrestricted free agents.

Howard previously played for the Lynx in 2016 and 2017, but reached the peak of her powers with the Liberty and Wings over the last few years. She is returning as a much-improved player, and will likely start alongside Collier when she returns. Coffey’s stats may not jump off the sheet, but she will likely be a valuable role player for the Lynx next season.

Furthermore, the Lynx did have the No. 2 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft from a trade with the Chicago Sky in last year’s draft. They selected TCU’s Olivia Miles, a crafty guard with defensive upside. Miles will likely step in and make an immediate impact as a true point guard, something the Lynx have lacked for a long time. 

Final Verdict

Despite having the best record in the WNBA last season, there was a large roster shakeup for Minnesota this offseason.

And overall, the Lynx got worse.

Although they added a top rookie and signed free agents like Howard and Coffey, the Lynx lost key players. Many helped form the team’s culture. Their identity as a team will surely change heading into this season.

As long as they have Collier, Williams and McBride, they will compete for a playoff spot. But the loss of Smith, Carlton, Carrington, Hiedeman, and others significantly hurt their chances of adding their fifth WNBA championship.

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