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Minnesota Lynx acquire Rachel Banham from Connecticut Sun

Derek James|
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 31: Guard Rachel Banham #1 of the Connecticut Sun handles the ball in the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center on May 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 31: Guard Rachel Banham #1 of the Connecticut Sun handles the ball in the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center on May 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

A homecoming with purpose

Lynx fans likely know the name Rachel Banham well. Banham left the University of Minnesota as a former Big 10 Player of the Year and the conference’s all-time leading scorer. On Tuesday night, Banham returned home in a sign-and-trade that sent Banham to the Lynx and an unprotected 2021 second-round pick to Connecticut.

Banham’s new contract will pay her $100,000 in 2020 and $103,000 in 2021, no protection, sources tell High Post Hoops.

A clean slate

In 107 WNBA games, the former Gophers star has 4.0 points and 1.0 assists and rebounds per game. After having her rookie season cut short by microfracture surgery, Banham saw her stroke from beyond the arc return in 2018, connecting on 37 percent of her 2.5 3-pointers per game in just 12 minutes of game time.

More from Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx obviously believe Banham has more to offer than she’s so thus far in her career. Injuries and inconsistent playing time can factor into a player’s production. Banham will now get the chance to show what she can do in Minnesota among a group of versatile guards.

With the departure of Danielle Robinson and uncertainty of Odyssey Sims’s status, the Lynx were in need of a lead ball handler. Robinson, Sims, and Lexie Brown all came from similar situations as Banham — Cheryl Reeve sees that each of these players has embraced the opportunity to learn and prove themselves in Minnesota.

An intriguing reunion

Bringing Brown and Banham back together is an intriguing combination. While the Lynx have made great strides in revamping the roster for more pace and space, the personnel hasn’t always suited that style. The two didn’t get many chances together in Connecticut but that will likely change in the 2020 season.

The potential for a dangerous shooting team is there. Next to Brown and Banham, the Lynx can use Stephanie Talbot and Ceci Zandalasini to spread out the defense. These outside threats can create driving lanes for Napheesa Collier and make teams think twice before doubling Sylvia Fowles down low.

More than a walk down memory lane

While it’s easy to feel nostalgic over Banham’s days as a Gopher and point out that Lindsay Whalen had the same path to the Lynx, this move could have a significant positive impact on the basketball side. That’s what made the Whalen move so successful: she was more than just sentimental. She helped reshape the Lynx.

Now, the franchise is hoping that Banham can do the same with more opportunity in Minnesota.

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