There's been plenty of chatter about what team Napheesa Collier will play for next season, despite the fact that Collier has given absolutely no indication she plans or wants to leave the team (and one from the Minnesota Lynx has indicated they are anything but thrilled with her performance). Collier herself was asked about free agency soon after the Lynx were knocked out the WNBA playoffs in the first round by the New York Liberty.
She told reporters that she hasn't even begun to contemplate what the future might hold. Collier added, "We lost less than 48 hours ago, and I don't think, we didn't expect to be here, you know. So I really haven't had any time to decompress or anything like that." Collier also emphasized that she loves the Lynx organization.
Whatever happens, there are two things that are true: the Lynx will be fine with or without Collier, and Collier will be fine with or without the Lynx. The team may have lost in the playoffs, but they're still among the most elite in the league, and Collier is one of the WNBA's best players. Being able to adapt is part of becoming the best, and everyone involved has certainly proven they have that capacity.
There are plenty of arguments in favor of Collier sticking with the Lynx. Apart from her own feelings about the organization, which drafted her as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, she hasn't quite had the opportunity to truly prove what she can do with team's current roster. That's especially true of Olivia Miles, who was picked up by the Lynx as the No. 1 overall pick this season. The pair only played together for half a season, since Collier spent the first part injured.
But there are also strong arguments in favor of Collier stepping out and exploring other options. The Golden State Valkyries would benefit enormously from adding Collier to the team's roster; the team is still hunting for the perfect offensive link, and Collier is certainly that (despite a somewhat lackluster playoffs performance). Making the move to the Valkyries would also reunite Collier with former UConn teammate Gabby Williams. There have been plenty of rumors that the Valkyries might be interested in pursuing Collier, though no one has directly confirmed (or denied) the stories.
For now, fans of the Lynx, of Collier, and of the Valkyries will have to sit tight — free agency is still months away.
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