Even some of the strongest teams have their weaknesses. For the Lynx, their lack of size in the frontcourt and depth on the wing were issues in the playoffs. Getting 6’4” Dorka Juhasz back and/or drafting a young big, like Lauren Betts, would help boost the Lynx’s size in the frontcourt. The lack of wing depth is a little trickier to solve, especially considering that every key Lynx player will be a free agent.
Even if the Lynx retain Kayla McBride, Bridget Carleton, and DiJonai Carrington, they could use more production at the small forward spot. Carleton averaged only 6.5 points, filling more of a 3-and-D role, and did not shoot well in the semifinals. She went 3-12 from three. With Carrington injured, Cheryl Reeve still had to play Carleton heavy minutes, though, or had to resort to a small lineup of Courtney Williams, Natisha Hiedeman, and Kayla McBride.
So, getting another high-level perimeter scorer could be the key to building another championship contender in Minnesota. Almost every veteran in the league will be a free agent this offseason, but that doesn’t mean the Lynx will be able to get all of them. Jackie Young, Allisha Gray, and Gabby Williams, for example, will likely be cored if coring still exists in the new CBA. Other top wings like Rhyne Howard and Kahleah Copper are unlikely to want to leave their teams. Sun veteran Marina Mabrey may be available, though.
The Lynx could steal Mabrey away from Connecticut
Marina Mabrey’s 2025 season with the Sun got off to a rocky start. The veteran was traded to the Sun during the 2024 season to round out their roster for a deep playoff push. Then, the Sun lost all of their starters, leaving Mabrey alone on a team forced to rebuild. She asked for a trade, which the Sun did not grant her, but still played 35 games and did her best to help the team.
In September, Mabrey reportedly told reporters that she wanted to be back in Connecticut next season. However, a lot can happen until free agency actually starts, and a chance to play for one of the most competitive teams in the league could quickly change Mabrey’s mind. After all, she came to Connecticut to compete.
Mabrey is a high-level scorer, averaging 12.5 points for her career. She can create her own shot, but also moves well off the ball. She is also very comfortable from three, even though her shooting percentage plummeted in the 2025 season—likely because defenses could easily key in on her when facing a young Sun team. In the two previous seasons, Mabrey shot 37.6% on 6.5 attempts and 39% on 5.8 attempts per game.
On top of that, Mabrey is a solid rebounder and playmaker and a physical defender, which allows her to fill the small forward position well.
Mabrey’s shot-making on the wing could give the Lynx a massive boost and help get the team back to the finals. The Lynx could either decide to upgrade from Bridget Carleton in the starting lineup, even though that decision would give up some size, or have Mabrey provide a scoring punch off the bench.