While Napheesa Collier had the option to sign a three-year deal, she settled for a one-year supermax deal with the Minnesota Lynx worth $1.4 million. And now, she is looking forward to earning Ws for the side.

Due to Collier's one-year contract, the Lynx's performance in the 2026 WNBA season might be a huge factor in determining whether she decides to continue with them. However, the 29-year-old doesn't want to think about anything else till the time she's in the Lynx squad.

During a media appearance on April 17, 'Phee' explained her motive behind the one-year deal, saying, "I'm so focused on, right now, with my injury and this year and winning a championship. That is what I'm doing, so getting back with our amazing staff, playing with our amazing players, and just focused on this year and winning."

While the basketball fraternity and Lynx fans especially would love to see Collier hold the WNBA championship in her hands, she will first need to cross the hurdle of recovering from her ankle surgery.

Collier had been facing ankle issues since the start of the 2025 WNBA playoffs, which led her to undergo surgery on both of her ankles in January.

The surgery has sidelined her for anywhere between four and six months. Collier still used crutches on Friday and wore a boot on her right ankle as she continued to recover from the procedure.

"Right now, I'm just working as fast as I can with my doctors and my [physical therapy] staff, just trying to get back on the court," Collier said. "But everything is going well, so you'll see me soon."

The Lynx would certainly hope to see their best player return to the hardwood sooner rather than later, who eyes her first WNBA championship upon her return.

Can the Minnesota Lynx Realistically Fight for the WNBA Championship?

While the Lynx's journey to the championship is on the verge of being delayed, they can pick up business as usual once Collier is back in the squad.

The 2024 DPOY averaged 22.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for the Lynx and became just the second player in WNBA history to finish a regular season with a 50-40-90 shooting split.

Collier also finished runner-up in the MVP voting, as the Lynx had the best regular-season record last season but crashed out in the semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury.

"My goal is to get back as fast as I can and to win a championship and to be with these guys too and to be around them and to still try to be a leader even when I'm not playing," she said. "And then hopefully, have that transition nice and smooth for when I get back on the court as well."

However, Collier's supporting cast has taken a hit. Natisha Hiedeman, Jessica Shepard, Alanna Smith, and DiJonai Carrington left in free agency, while the Portland Fire took Bridget Carleton in the expansion draft.

The Lynx were able to renew the contracts of Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride. But probably the biggest reinforcement has come in the form of No.2 overall pick Olivia Miles, who was one of the best shooters in the NCAA last year, scoring over 70 three-pointers.

So, do you think a returning Napheesa Collier will provide enough firepower to the Lynx to win their first championship since 2017?

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Souvik Roy