Napheesa Collier is pushing for the MVP title while her franchise is looking to complete the unfinished business of the 2024 season—winning a WNBA title. The side started well, going undefeated in the opening month. They captured the top spot in the league, but their recent losses were alarming.
The Minnesota Lynx lost two of the last three games, against the second-seed Phoenix Mercury and the 10th-place Chicago Sky. Going into the season, the side made a few changes and let go of their top-10 pick from the 2024 WNBA draft.
Minnesota Lynx Waive Forward Midway Through 2025 WNBA Season
The midseason transactions are in full swing with teams looking to strengthen their rosters before the playoff period. The season is just 20 games old, and many teams have made multiple changes. The Minnesota franchise was relatively inactive on the transactions front, trusting its roster.
But suddenly, the franchise provided an update that surprised many. The franchise confirmed that the Minnesota Lynx have waived second-year forward Alissa Pili, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA season.
Sparks have waived center Mercedes Russell.
— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) July 12, 2025
Lynx have waived forward Alissa Pili.
Do you think Pili be reunited with her college coach Lynne Roberts? pic.twitter.com/tHcCAa9zAl
The Utah star completed her rookie season with just over six minutes of action in the regular season games. She averaged 2.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in that period but never made it to the starting lineup. In the 2025 season, her usage dropped below six minutes, and she averaged 1.9 points and 1.2 rebounds.
Her college career was impressive. She earned All-American honors and the Pac-12 Player of the Year award in 2023. She averaged over 21 points and six rebounds, making her a top-10 draft pick.
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Minnesota Lynx Eyeing Roster Spots Ahead Of 2025 Postseason
Despite their current slump, the 2024 finalists are still the top team in the league with an 18-4 record. After missing out on the title last season, the franchise kept most of its core intact to challenge for the championship in 2025. Now with Karli Samuelson out for the season and Pili waived, the team has two roster spots open.
With no designated center or thin guard lineup, the team will look to strengthen in those areas. The LA Sparks recently released Mercedes Russell. The two-time champion, with her age and experience in the league, could be an attractive option for the side. Fans will have to wait for further updates from the front office, though.
Collier and Co. will face the Chicago Sky on July 14 at the Wintrust Arena. A win in the game would be a perfect response to the team’s recent loss at the same venue.
Also Read: Angel Reese Matches Tina Charles’ WNBA Rookie Record In Sky’s Dominant Win Over Lynx