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WNBA News: Minnesota Lynx Waive Lynetta Kizer

By Joseph Zucker

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 24: Lynetta Kizer #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots against the Las Vegas Aces during their game at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on June 24, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 24: Lynetta Kizer #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots against the Las Vegas Aces during their game at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on June 24, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Lynx waived veteran forward Lynetta Kizer, the team announced Saturday.

The Lynx signed Kizer in February. Minnesota had to replace a retired Plenette Pierson and Natasha Howard, who moved to the Seattle Storm in a sign-and-trade.

Signing somebody with Kizer’s resume was a smart move for a team coming off a fourth WNBA title in seven seasons.

Kizer averaged 18.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per 36 minutes for the Connecticut Sun in 2017, according to Basketball Reference. Her 0.203 win shares per 48 minutes were a career high as well.

The value Kizer displayed for the Sun has been absent in 2018, though.

She appeared in 12 games for Minnesota, averaging 1.8 points and 1.6 rebounds. She also shot 25.0 percent from the field and 60.0 percent from the charity stripe.

The writing has been on the wall regarding this move for most of the month, as the Lynx rebounded from their underwhelming start to the season.

Kizer played a total of 52 minutes over five games in May. Her playing time fell to 20 minutes over seven games in June.

Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve has relied more heavily on starting forward Rebekkah Brunson of late. Brunson is averaging 30.8 minutes during Minnesota’s six-game winning streak.

With Kizer’s departure, the Lynx now have an empty roster spot. The Star Tribune‘s Kent Youngblood reported Minnesota could potentially re-sign Kizer but that the team will likely examine all of its options in the coming days.

Starting Wednesday, WNBA teams can sign players to seven-day contracts. According to Youngblood, the Lynx are targeting a forward who can occupy a “limited — but valuable” role behind Brunson.

While things didn’t work out for Kizer in Minnesota, she shouldn’t have to wait very long for another opportunity in the WNBA. She’s a proven scorer and rebounder who can be a productive presence inside off the bench.

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