Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier finished as runner-up to A'ja Wilson in MVP voting in both 2024 and 2025, but was limited to 16 games this season after undergoing offseason surgery on both ankles that kept her out until late July. While she put up strong numbers upon her return -- 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals on 50/44.4/85.7 shooting splits -- she did not make her usual impact. Collier has spent her entire career with the Lynx, but that relationship may come to an end this offseason when the five-time All-Star hits unrestricted free agency.
She will be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this winter. There have been questions about Collier's future in Minnesota ever since she opted for a one-year deal last offseason instead of a long-term contract. They have only grown louder over the past six months, as unanimous Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles burst onto the scene in Collier's absence, the Lynx crashed out of the playoffs in the first round and Collier side-stepped the topic at her exit interview.
"I haven't even thought about that. We lost less than 48 hours ago, and I don't think, we didn't expect to be here, you know. So I really haven't had any time to decompress or anything like that," Collier said when asked about her impending free agency.
"I can tell you that I love it here. I love my team and everything like that, but I just haven't had the time to give that any thought." During her own exit interview, Lynx coach and president Cheryl Reeve did not sound convinced that she would have Collier back. "Whatever she decides, we're both going to be OK," Reeve said.
"What Phee has given this franchise, we're super proud of. And we're super proud of the work we've poured into her. If she lands on being here, great.
And if there's something better for her, that's life." As the playoffs continue, let's take an early look at where Collier could be playing in 2027. We have to start with the Lynx, who selected Collier with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. She was named Rookie of the Year that season, and has since accumulated five All-Star selections, four All-WNBA and four All-Defensive honors, four top-five MVP finishes and the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award.
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