Napheesa Collier may have played her final game in a Minnesota Lynx uniform. The five-time All-Star is now an unrestricted free agent after the Lynx fell to the New York Liberty in a shocking first-round sweep during the 2026 WNBA playoffs.
Could the Lynx vs Liberty Playoffs Result Influence Napheesa Collier's Free Agency?
That early exit stung for Minnesota, who entered as the No. 1 overall seed after a dominant WNBA season. The Lynx beat the Liberty twice during regular-season play, but New York controlled the post-season series from start to finish. For Collier, the Lynx vs Liberty loss landed even harder after she missed months rehabbing from ankle surgery before returning on July 22nd.
Once healthy, though, she proved why she remains one of the league's most complete players. Collier averaged 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting a career-best 44.4% from beyond the arc.
Now, her next move is set to become the off-season's biggest storyline. Collier signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Lynx rather than committing to the team long-term. Minnesota can't use the league's core designation to keep her, either. That opens the door for every team with cap space to pursue the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year.
After eight seasons with the Lynx, Collier could be wearing a new jersey in 2027.
