One of the biggest storylines for the Lynx season – which opens at home Saturday against Atlanta – will be something off the court.
The contract status of Napheesa Collier will loom large over the organization. Because the Lynx cored Collier, one of the top two players in the world, this offseason, giving Minnesota exclusive negotiating rights for a new contract.
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But rather than inking a multi-year super max deal, the route many of her contemporaries took, Collier signed only a one-year contract with Minnesota. Because of the outlines in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, Collier will now be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Yes, Minnesota could lose its franchise star – a perpetual fear for local sports fans may finally come to fruition.
It’s a scary thought, and one that will linger in the minds of many, even after Collier returns to action following her recovery from ankle surgery and undoubtedly leads Minnesota to many, many wins.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was asked about Collier’s decision at practice Thursday, and told reporters she had a conversation with the star forward in January.
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“Some of it was there was so much uncertainty about how everyone was going to feel when the CBA hit,” Reeve said. “And we had a lot of uncertainty around our franchise because of Phee, and the injury and maybe her not necessarily coming out and saying, ‘I’m definitely here, I want to do this and I’m going to be there for X number of years.’”
Such a public statement hasn’t been made since signing the deal, either. There have been no reassurances from Collier that her intention is to remain with the organization beyond 2026.
Speaking this week on NPR’s Morning Edition, Collier said she’s “so focused on the now” and not looking at her future beyond this season, citing a will to focus on her recovery.
“I just came off two ankle surgeries, I’m trying to get back on the court,” Collier said. “This was such a whirlwind with the CBA and just everything happening so fast, I just wanted to be able to focus on getting on the court with my team this year and winning a championship.”
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The latter statement is important, and fits Collier’s bill. For other premier players, playing out one final season at their current location – should that be her plan – could serve as a distraction. But Collier has always epitomized professionalism.
Even this preseason, Collier is participating in team activities and even held her traditional spot at the front of the dance line leading the Lynx into preseason battle.
It’s a good bet that when she returns to action – which is expected in June – Collier will indeed give Minnesota her best effort in an attempt to bring the Lynx their first post-dynasty title.
And then she’ll tackle what’s to come after that. Collier admitted there could be “new opportunities” next offseason, as is the case every time your contract expires.
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“But again that’s so far in the future for me – we haven’t even started Game 1 of this year – so that’s not even something I’m thinking about,” Collier said.
Everyone else sure is.
“That’s Phee’s journey, that’s her free agency journey and how she viewed it and what she wanted was to take a step back,” Reeve said. “I would use the word cautious. I think she’s being cautious, and that’s her decision.”
