Would Minnesota Lynx superstar forward Napheesa Collier actually leave the franchise?
With her contract about to end and free agency on the way, don’t rule out the idea of Collier heading elsewhere in the winter once WNBA free agency commences.
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Collier could obviously re-sign with the Lynx, but the team’s past couple of playoff exits could inspire her to play for a new team for the first time in her career. Would she actually do it?
We have no idea, but let’s just run through some possible options for fun as Minnesota’s season comes to a close.
With forwards Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini headed for free agency as of now, the Valkyries could make a huge splash by adding Collier to their starting lineup. Collier and Williams would give Golden State one of the best forward combos in the WNBA; the former’s elite defense would fit right in with the Valkyries style of play. With the Valkyries a clear 2026 WNBA title contender, Collier could join a budding dynasty in the Bay. The rest of the WNBA would be devastated to see Collier join Golden State, but if you ask us, this is the likeliest option for Collier if she doesn’t return to Minnesota. Collier, Williams and Veronica Burton would be a heck of a big three for the Valkyries.
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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. She could also reunite with her former Lynx teammate Natisha Hiedeman. Seattle is very likely on the rise; Collier would floor the rebuild into hyperdrive. If she could balance perhaps another year of transition with this young roster, big things could be ahead.
If the Fever let superstar guard Kelsey Mitchell leave as a free agent (a big if), that could free the team up to add Collier to the roster. A big three of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Collier could unlock the path for a Fever dynasty. Losing Mitchell would be heartbreaking for the Fever, but adding Collier could vastly improve the defense and at least get close to matching what Mitchell provides on offense in her own way. Mitchell has to walk for this to make sense financially for Indiana, but if Collier would be interested, the Fever should try to make this happen next year.
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You want a wild card? How about the Tempo? Sandy Brondello’s New York Liberty took down Collier’s Lynx in the 2024 WNBA Finals. Toronto has some really talented players in Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, Kiki Rice and Aneesah Morrow. Adding Collier to the group would give it the elite forward it desperately needs to take the next step. If playing for Brondello and the team’s upward trajectory appeals to Collier, don’t rule out the Tempo.
New York Liberty
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. While adding Collier’s lofty contract would force New York to fill its depth with the least expensive role players possible, a four-person combo of Collier, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones could give the WNBA its most flashy superteam in ages. This is very unlikely to happen, but we’re going to include New York anyhow because they could hypothetically make it work with some sacrifices on the back end.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 Napheesa Collier landing spots IF she left the Lynx in 2027
