Napheesa Collier is a free agent. What’s next for WNBA star after playoff elimination?

The Minnesota Lynx, the No. 1 seed in the WNBA playoffs, suffered a shocking elimination at the hands of the No. 8 New York Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 87-71, forcing a two-game sweep. The team now looks to their offseason, where a key player is poised to become a free agent.

Star Napheesa Collier, the franchise cornerstone, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Over her eight-year tenure with the Lynx, Collier has won numerous accolades, including five All-Star nods, four All-WNBA team selections, Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2024, and MVP runner-up honors in 2024 and 2025.

Collier's future with the Lynx remains uncertain. While four of the team's five starters are set to return next season, including Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles and Coach of the Year Cheryl Reeve, Collier's desire for a long-term deal or a shorter contract remains unclear. Collier has signed a one-year deal worth $1.4 million to remain with the Lynx for the remainder of the season while recovering from ankle surgery.

She has already made a strong impact, averaging 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting a career-high 44.4% from three-point range.

Collier's performance on the international stage also adds to her marketability. She helped Team USA win the FIBA World Cup in Germany this summer. With Collier and Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles, the Lynx's roster appears primed for championship contention in the coming seasons. The team's long-time coach, Cheryl Reeve, set to return for her 17th season, has signed a five-year extension through 2027. The WNBA's all-time winningest coach's contract expires at the end of the 2027 season.