Home · Sports · Oct 7 archive
Napheesa Collier landing spots: Three potential destinations if five-time All-Star leaves Lynx as free agent
Confirmed
In Short: Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier could leave the team as a free agent, with multiple potential destinations.
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, a five-time All-Star, is facing an uncertain future as she approaches free agency. Collier, who has been a key player for the Lynx, could potentially leave the team after a season marred by injury.
Collier finished as the runner-up to A'ja Wilson in MVP voting in both 2024 and 2025, but this season was limited to just 16 games due to ankle surgeries that kept her out until late July.
Despite her injury-shortened season, Collier has been a consistent high-performer for the Lynx. Prior to this season, she had averaged at least 20 points in three consecutive seasons and was one of only two WNBA players to join the vaunted 50/40/90 club.
The Lynx, who were paying Collier the maximum salary this season, will not be hindered by cap space if she decides to leave. The exact 2027 salary cap is yet to be determined due to a new revenue-sharing model.
Collier's departure could have significant implications for the Lynx, who have seen their playoff hopes dashed for the third consecutive year. In a recent playoff game against the New York Liberty, Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams shared a collective embrace, highlighting the team's frustration.
Several teams are reportedly interested in Collier, including the Seattle Valkyries, who could offer her a chance to reunite with former Lynx teammate Natisha Hiedeman. The Valkyries are also expected to add to their roster in the 2027 WNBA Draft.
Another potential destination for Collier is the Central Oregon Valkyries, who could benefit from her addition to their starting lineup, especially with forwards Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini also set to become free agents.
Background
Ronaldo's private jet was heading to Copenhagen, and he shared a message on social media announcing his decision to leave the national team camp.
What's confirmed
- Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, a five-time All-Star, is facing an uncertain future as she approaches free agency. Collier, who has been a key player for the Lynx, could potentially leave the team after a season marred by injury.
- Collier finished as the runner-up to A'ja Wilson in MVP voting in both 2024 and 2025, but this season was limited to just 16 games due to ankle surgeries that kept her out until late July.
- Despite her injury-shortened season, Collier has been a consistent high-performer for the Lynx. Prior to this season, she had averaged at least 20 points in three consecutive seasons and was one of only two WNBA players to join the vaunted 50/40/90 club.
- The Lynx, who were paying Collier the maximum salary this season, will not be hindered by cap space if she decides to leave. The exact 2027 salary cap is yet to be determined due to a new revenue-sharing model.
- Collier's departure could have significant implications for the Lynx, who have seen their playoff hopes dashed for the third consecutive year. In a recent playoff game against the New York Liberty, Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams shared a collective embrace, highlighting the team's frustration.
- Several teams are reportedly interested in Collier, including the Seattle Valkyries, who could offer her a chance to reunite with former Lynx teammate Natisha Hiedeman. The Valkyries are also expected to add to their roster in the 2027 WNBA Draft.
- Another potential destination for Collier is the Central Oregon Valkyries, who could benefit from her addition to their starting lineup, especially with forwards Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini also set to become free agents.
What's still developing
- "Whatever she decides, we're both going to be OK," Reeve said.
- If Collier believes in the future of Seattle, she could head out to join the exciting young core of Dominique Malonga, Awa Fam, Flau'jae Johnson and whoever the team adds in the 2027 WNBA Draft.
- The Minnesota Lynx captured the overall top seed following a dominant regular season campaign led by Napheesa Collier.
- Minnesota maintained incredible consistency throughout the summer months before receiving an additional boost from returning star forward Napheesa Collier, establishing the franchise as the clear championship favorite as they prepare to open postseason play against the dangerous New York Liberty.
- Napheesa Collier scored 23 points, Olivia Miles added 21 and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Connecticut Sun 101-89 on Sunday to get closer to clinching the top seed in the WNBA playoffs.
- The Lynx, who had lost three straight games, jumped out to an 11-2 lead in the first 3:30 as Collier had the game's first four points.
- Asked why it has been difficult to translate regular-season success to winning championships, Collier -- the Lynx's perennial MVP candidate who returned midseason after offseason ankle surgeries -- said she wasn't sure what to attribute that to.
- Time will tell whether that moment with Collier, McBride and Williams embracing on the Barclays Court, with a WNBA championship out of reach once more, will be the lasting image of the Lynx as we know it.
- “You could use this technology as a visual, immersive experience to allow people to go deeper for themselves and walk away with a sense of awe and wonder about what it means to be alive,” the media mogul, whose empire was built largely by inspiring viewers of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” told The Associated Press.
- She hopes “AHA” attendees will be inspired to take advantage of their own opportunities as well.
- Her book club is still a bucket list aspiration for authors, products appearing on her “Favorite Things” list can change a company’s fortune, and politicians still court her support.
- Among all-star collaborators crafting the experience with Winfrey are Oscar-nominated composer Max Richter, Grammy-nominated musicians Jason White and Jon Hopkins, playwright and MacArthur “genius grant” recipient Tarell Alvin McCraney and Es Devlin, the stage designer for Beyoncé's “Formation” and “Renaissance” world tours.