Since 2019, Napheesa Collier has been a Lynx cornerstone. With the one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract coming to an end, the 5x All-Star has the ball in her court to decide on her future.

Collier has stuck around with the Lynx ever since she was drafted in 2019. The forward is now an unrestricted free agent, but has shown her love for Minnesota.

"I haven't even thought about that ... I can tell you, I love it here. I love the organization ... But I just haven’t had the time to give it any thought," Collier said.

As shown on Colin Salao's X post, Collier is satisfied where she is. However, heading into the 2027 WNBA offseason, the 2024 DPOY will surely take a look around.

According to For The Win's Cory Woodroof, these are the five landing spots if Collier decides to leave the Lynx in 2027.

New York Liberty

If the Liberty wish to add Collier to the roster, they are going to have to compromise on the back end. They would need to shed depth to afford Collier's $1.4M salary. A four-person combo of Collier, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones would be a treat to the eyes of the WNBA fans. However, Collier’s lucrative contract will lead to losing out on depth. 

Toronto Tempo

Collier might be the final piece in the jigsaw for Toronto. The highly talented roster of Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, Kiki Rice, and Aneesah Morrow will touch the sky with the addition of the experienced forward. The idea of playing for Sandy Brondello could definitely sway her.

Indiana Fever

If Kelsey Mitchell heads out as a free agent, the Fever will have their eyes locked on Collier. The possibility of Mitchell leaving Indiana is highly unlikely, considering her chemistry with Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. A move away for her would leave a massive gap in the Fever, and Collier would undoubtedly be the ideal choice to fill that. On top of the offense, the 2024 DPOY will also bring with her defensive prowess that the Fever are highly in need of. Collier’s addition could make the Fever scary. 

Seattle Storm

A reunion with her former Lynx teammate Natisha Hiedeman at Seattle could also be on the cards for Collier. The Storm have an exciting young core of Dominique Malonga, Awa Fam, and Flau'jae Johnson, who would be complete with Collier’s experience. The franchise could spearhead their rebuild with the addition of the Lynx star. For Collier, the future of Seattle needs to look promising, and she could be well on her way.

Golden State Valkyries

Advancing to the WNBA Semifinals for the first time in franchise history, it's only up from here for the Valkyries. Collier may join in the upward spiral, with forwards Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini headed for free agency. The 2024 DPOY would perfectly complement Gabby Williams and create one of the best forward combos in the WNBA. Collier’s style of play would align with the Valkyries’. Title contenders already this time around, if the 5x All-Star heads to the Bay, the trio of Collier, Williams, and Veronica Burton would not be a pleasant sight for opponents. 

Written by

Avishek Sarkar