Looming Minnesota Lynx disaster feels realer than ever after Unrivaled championship

Alanna Smith had one of the weirder celebrations out there when the Mist won the 2026 Unrivaled championship. She drank beer out of a shoe—a shoe she had worn for the entire game. That odd choice doesn’t make Smith, who was instrumental to the Mist’s championship run, any less appealing to GMs all around the WNBA. 

If Smith has a lot of suitors in free agency, it could quickly spell disaster for the Lynx and start an exodus of veteran talent from Minnesota. 

Smith is one of the best shot blockers in the game and a versatile forward who can space the floor on offense. She would be a perfect fit for teams like Atlanta, Indiana, Golden State, or Dallas—especially after proving once again that she could be a key player on a winning team. Some of those teams could offer her a bigger contract than the Lynx, a bigger role, or the chance to compete for a championship. 

The Lynx could look very different next season

Free agency could absolutely tear apart the Lynx team that became a championship favorite two seasons ago, especially with a new CBA and salary cap coming. Napheesa Collier’s salary will skyrocket under a new CBA, and, depending on when the season starts, she will miss part of it and have to work her way back to 100% during the campaign. 

With Collier out and recovering, the Lynx might not be a championship contender. That could persuade some of the team’s top free agents to leave and try to win a title somewhere else. Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, and Courtney Williams could be difference-makers for several teams looking to go on a deep playoff run, and Bridget Carleton would be a perfect addition for the Toronto Tempo. 

On top of that, the organization simply might not be able to afford to keep Collier, McBride, Smith, Williams, and Carleton together under the new CBA. 

So, it seems almost inevitable that the Lynx’s roster will undergo a serious shakeup. 

Alanna Smith showed out in the Unrivaled playoffs

Alanna Smith won an Unrivaled championship in her very first season in the league and was a big reason for the Mist’s postseason success. 

She recorded 11 points on 44-6 shooting, including 3-3 from long range, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals in the Mist’s semifinals win over a young Breeze squad. She trailed only Arike Ogunbowale in plus/minus.

Smith also finished with 11 points on efficient shooting, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in the championship game against the Phantom.