Napheesa Collier has reportedly signed a one-year, $1.4 million 'supermax' contract to remain with the Minnesota Lynx. This move secures the team's star player, despite Collier facing a significant recovery period from double ankle surgery. The announcement of the signing was made by the team on Thursday night, though the financial terms were not officially disclosed.
Collier's previous season was cut short by a left ankle injury sustained during Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, a series the Lynx ultimately lost. This followed an earlier setback in August where a right ankle injury caused her to miss seven games. In January, it was announced that Collier would require four to six months of rehabilitation following surgery on both ankles, indicating she will likely miss the start of the upcoming season.
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Collier's MVP-caliber performance last season saw her average a career-best 22.9 points per game, with impressive shooting splits of 53.1% from the field, 40.3% from three-point range, and 90.6% from the free-throw line. She also set a franchise record for consecutive made free throws at 54 and was named MVP of the WNBA All-Star Game after scoring a record 36 points.
Her return is a crucial development for the Lynx, who lost several key players. Collier is now the third player in the WNBA to sign a supermax deal, joining Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever and A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. The Lynx held exclusive negotiating rights for Collier's contract.
Season Interrupted, Career Highlighted
Despite the lingering effects of injuries and the recent surgeries, Collier's on-court achievements in the past season were substantial. She was a driving force for the Lynx, who managed to secure the best regular-season record in the league. Her individual accolades include setting scoring records and achieving rare shooting efficiency marks, making her one of the league's most dominant players. The team's inability to advance in the playoffs, however, marked a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar individual campaign.
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Contractual Landscape
The reported $1.4 million figure places Collier's contract among the highest in the league, reflecting her value. The timing of her signing follows closely on the heels of the Las Vegas Aces re-signing four-time MVP A'ja Wilson. Discussions surrounding player contracts and league leadership were reportedly strained at points, with Collier having previously voiced criticisms of the WNBA's player contract structures.
