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Minnesota Lynx: Danielle Robinson Signs Contract Extension

By Joseph Zucker

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 29: Danielle Robinson #3 of the Minnesota Lynx handles the ball against the Atlanta Dream on June 29, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 29: Danielle Robinson #3 of the Minnesota Lynx handles the ball against the Atlanta Dream on June 29, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Robinson Agrees to Extension with Minnesota Lynx

Danielle Robinson signed a contract extension with the Minnesota Lynx, the team announced Sunday. High Post Hoops has learned it is through the 2019 season.

“We are pleased to extend Danielle’s contract with the Minnesota Lynx,” head coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve said in the Lynx’s press release. “We look forward to her continued growth as a leader of our team.”

Earlier in the week, the Lynx announced Robinson had undergone left ankle surgery that will likely rule her out for the rest of the 2018 season.

Minnesota acquired the 29-year-old from the Phoenix Mercury in the offseason, with the Lynx sending a first-round pick to Phoenix. The Mercury used the pick to select Marie Gulich.

Robinson is averaging 12.6 points, 6.4 assists and 1.8 steals per 36 minutes in her first year with the Lynx, according to Basketball Reference.

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She’s also allowing 0.815 points per possession on defense, good enough to put her in the 72nd percentile in the WNBA, per Synergy Sports. Robinson has been particularly good off the ball, holding opponents to 26.5 percent shooting on spot-up opportunities.

The timing of Robinson’s extension is likely a reaction to Lindsay Whalen’s impending retirement. This season will be Whalen’s last in the WNBA.

According to High Post Hoops’ salary database, Robinson was already under contract through the 2019 season and will make $110,000 next year. Presumably, Minnesota envisions Robinson as Whalen’s replacement in 2019 and beyond.

While forecasting an end to the Lynx dynasty may be premature, Whalen’s retirement could be the start of a transition period for the franchise.

The Lynx took exception to Kelsey Plum calling them old earlier in the year, but the fact of the matter is, Minnesota relies on a number of aging veterans.

Whalen and Rebekkah Brunson are each in their 14th years, while Seimone Augustus will enter her 13th season in 2019. Even Sylvia Fowles has a decade of experience under her belt in the WNBA.

Augustus and Brunson are both free agents this offseason, while Fowles is under contract for one more year. That adds even more unpredictability to Minnesota’s outlook.

Reshaping the roster is a little easier when you at least know your starting point guard is locked up for 2019, 2020 and potentially even longer.

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