Unrivaled and Lynx fans just got the worst possible news. Napheesa Collier has to undergo surgery on both ankles as a result of two injuries suffered during the 2025 WNBA season. She is expected to be out for four to six months, missing Unrivaled’s second season and part of the WNBA season, depending on how much the CBA negotiations delay the start of the next campaign.
Unrivaled has already signed Temi Fagbenle to take over for Collier on the Lunar Owls. For the Lynx, this throws the entire offseason and 2026 season into uncertainty.
Minnesota wants to compete for a championship. Collier is the key to that. If she misses part of the season and then has to work her way back into shape during the season, the Lynx might not be able to keep up with other contenders, like the Aces, Liberty, Fever, and Dream. If that is the case, the Lynx could be in for a rough offseason and several departures in free agency.
If the Lynx may not be a contender next season, will their key vets want to re-sign?
All of the Lynx’s key players are unrestricted free agents. The only players under contract are Dorka Juhasz and Anastasiia Kosu. While the roster could benefit from some shakeup, re-signing at least most of Collier, Alanna Smith, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams seems key to keeping the Lynx’s championship window open.
The big question is: if the team doesn’t promise to be a title contender, will those veterans want to re-sign and will other impactful free agents want to come to Minnesota? If the answer is no, it will be tough for Cheryl Reeve to build another contender—even though Collier is still likely to sign a long-term deal with the Lynx.
The one thing the Lynx have going for them is their reputation. Players around the league know that Cheryl Reeve can build championship teams and that Collier is one of the best players in the league when healthy. That talent and winning culture don’t just disappear in one season, and the Lynx will have to count on players to trust that they can regain their contender status once Collier is back at 100%.
Another thing working in the Lynx’s favor is their lottery pick. Even if the 2026 season doesn’t bring championship contention, it should offer plenty of opportunities for the Lynx’s lottery pick to showcase her talent and show hints of the team’s future potential.
Nothing is lost yet, and the Lynx may still nail free agency, but Collier’s injury is a massive obstacle to overcome.