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“Never Explicitly Her Choice”: WNBA Analyst Adds to Napheesa Collier Speculation After Cheryl Reeve’s Remarks Raise Questions About Her Future With Lynx

Napheesa Collier’s future with the Minnesota Lynx has become a focal point after head coach Cheryl Reeve’s recent remarks suggested the team would respect her decision whether to stay or leave. Collier, who won the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award, has been a cornerstone of the franchise since being drafted and signing her first multi-year extension in 2022.

However, analyst Sabreena Merchant highlighted that Collier’s tenure with the Lynx has never been entirely by her own choice, as she was drafted directly to Minnesota and lacked unrestricted free agency options until later in her career. The rise of teammate Olivia Miles and Reeve’s history of developing players—such as rehabilitating Alanna Smith’s career—adds complexity to Collier’s decision, especially as the Lynx remain championship contenders under Reeve’s leadership.

Collier’s public statements about her excitement to continue in Minnesota contrast with the growing speculation about her potential departure, leaving the team’s future uncertain as free agency approaches.

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Apparently some fans think Fever can land both Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier in offseason