Napheesa Collier has agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract to remain with the Minnesota Lynx. The announcement, made Thursday night, confirms Collier's return after a season that ended prematurely due to injury. This deal positions Collier as a cornerstone for the Lynx as they navigate offseason roster changes and prepare for the upcoming season.
The significant financial commitment signals the Lynx's intent to build around Collier, who finished second in MVP voting for the second consecutive year, despite missing seven games last season due to a right ankle injury. She averaged 22.9 points and 7.3 rebounds, while achieving remarkable shooting efficiency, becoming one of only two players in WNBA history to finish a regular season with 50/40/90 shooting splits and averaging over 20 points per game.
Ankle Injuries Cloud Return
Collier's season concluded prematurely after she sustained an injury to her left ankle in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals. This followed an earlier issue with her right ankle that caused her to miss seven games during the regular season. In January, it was announced that Collier would require surgery on both ankles, a procedure expected to sideline her for four to six months. She is anticipated to miss time at the start of the upcoming season as she recovers from the surgeries.
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Lynx Navigate Free Agency Amidst Roster Shifts
Collier's re-signing comes amidst a period of significant flux for the Lynx. The team has also brought back Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride. However, they have seen departures including Natisha Hiedeman, Jessica Shepard, Alanna Smith, and DiJonai Carrington in the early days of free agency. This roster activity, coupled with their star player's recovery, presents a complex challenge for head coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve.
Background on Collier and Lynx's Season
Collier, a five-time All-Star and the sixth overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, has been a central figure for the Lynx. Her return is critical for a team that had the best regular-season record last year but was ultimately eliminated in the semifinals by the Phoenix Mercury. The team's defensive identity was notably strong, anchored by Collier's interior dominance and defensive versatility. The upcoming WNBA Draft, where the Lynx hold the No. 2 pick, is also a key element in their roster reconstruction.
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