Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Clarifies Long Term Expectations Involving Napheesa Collier

The Minnesota Lynx aim to reclaim WNBA glory. Last year, many considered the team a favorite, but they failed to capitalize on the momentum. Thus, before the new season, the front office picked the NCAA star Olivia Miles as the second overall pick. However, despite all the incoming changes, Napheesa Collier will lead the entire roster.

Following the new CBA coming into effect, the 29-year-old signed a $1.4 million super max contract with the Lynx. But this contract will only be valid for a year. Naturally, there had been whispers as to how things would pan out once the deal ended. Clarifying on the same, head coach Cheryl Reeve had an honest take.

Cheryl Reeve Clarifies Whether Minnesota Lynx Expects Napheesa Collier To Sign Long-Term

Over the years, ‘Phee’ has been an important part of the Minnesota roster. Having won 5 WNBA All-Star awards, the star player will look to help the Lynx win another WNBA title this year. However, her time with the roster might not last long. As the 6-foot-1 star enters free agency next year, many franchises will pursue her. And the team’s head coach wants to respect Collier’s decision to go out and explore new opportunities. 

“I think that would be really unfair, I have no expectations because next year Phee is a free agent that means… 14 teams will be after Phee, 15 if you include Minnesota and Phee has never been a free agent before because she was cored,” said Reeve. 

Cheryl Reeve on if the expectation is for Napheesa Collier is to sign with the Lynx long term

“I think that would be really unfair, I have no expectations because next year Phee is a free agent that means… 14 teams will be after Phee, 15 if you include Minnesota and Phee has… pic.twitter.com/jEetr2GZB0

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) May 7, 2026

She also added, “Again each player, each journey is different, maybe something different on their minds, it would have been really easy for Phee to say “give me a super max for 4 years and I’m set financially” it wasn’t the path she wanted and we have to respect that and plan accordingly.”

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Surely, such a statement does float the possibility of Collier suiting up in a new jersey in the future. But for now, the entire focus is on how to make the 2026 season better. Recently, the front office considered pairing Gabby Williams with the 29-year-old.

Meanwhile, the start of the season will be a somber one for Collier owing to her injury. 

Napheesa Collier Won’t Return Until June

While fans were excited to watch the partnership between the 2025 All-Star MVP and Miles, they will have to wait a bit longer. Following her ankle injury, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year is still in the recovery process. In a recent statement, Alexa Philippou reported that Napheesa Collier would miss the first month of the tournament.

“Napheesa Collier is expected to return to on-court basketball activities in early June, the Minnesota Lynx announced. She underwent surgery on her left ankle on March 24 after having surgery on her right ankle in early January,” Phillippou wrote on X. 

Napheesa Collier is expected to return to on-court basketball activities in early June, the Minnesota Lynx announce.

She underwent surgery on her left ankle on March 24 after having surgery on her right ankle in early January.

Further updates on her progress will be provided…

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 21, 2026

Thus, with things looking a bit complicated, fans will be eager to see what happens next.