The 2026 WNBA season just wrapped up on Saturday, and the offseason is officially here. But before we even get to the 2027 WNBA Draft Lottery on November 15, the biggest name in free agency is already making waves: Napheesa Collier. While she told us she “hadn’t even thought about” free agency, her coach, Cheryl Reeve, sure has, and her words are setting off alarms for Minnesota Lynx fans.
The MVP-Caliber Talent Who Couldn’t Catch a Break
Seriously, this is a huge deal. Collier has been runner-up for MVP in both 2024 and 2025. That’s elite company, folks. But 2026 was tough, brutal even. After offseason surgery on both ankles, she was limited to just 16 games. Her numbers were still pretty strong, clocking in at 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 50% from the field, 44.4% from three, and 85.7% from the line. Those are good stats! But the source says it plain: she “struggled to make her usual impact” and “was poor in the playoffs” as the Lynx got bounced in the first round. That’s a gut punch for a player of her caliber. When healthy, her versatility on both ends makes her a fit for literally any situation, and every team with max cap space is going to be calling, you can bet on it.
The Clock Is Ticking: Collier’s Future in Question
So, what’s next for the league’s top unrestricted free agent? There are some serious signs pointing to Collier potentially moving on. Think about it: she signed a one-year deal last offseason. And while she was sidelined, unanimous Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles absolutely burst onto the scene and took control of the team. That’s a lot of change for one franchise. While Collier played it cool in her exit interview, claiming free agency wasn’t on her mind, Coach Reeve didn’t sound convinced. In her own exit interview, Reeve said, “Whatever she decides, we’re both going to be OK. What Phee has given this franchise, we’re super proud of. And we’re super proud of the work we’ve poured into her. If she lands on…” The quote cuts off, but the message is clear: the Lynx organization might be preparing for life without their star, even if Collier says she loves the city, organization, and her teammates. If she can get back to that All-WNBA level in 2027 when fully healthy, she is easily the top player in this entire free agency class.
The WNBA Draft Lottery is coming up on November 15, which will set the stage for next spring’s draft. After that, things will calm down until after the New Year when free agency really heats up. There’s no expansion draft this year, and no long labor fight, so all eyes will be on where the league’s biggest names, especially Collier, end up. This is going to be wild, folks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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