The Minnesota Lynx could pair MVP contender Napheesa Collier with 10-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike. Minnesota designated Collier the core tag, giving the team exclusive negotiating rights with its franchise cornerstone. Ogwumike, an unrestricted free agent like Collier, could join her.
WNBA insider Annie Costabile tweeted on Wednesday:
“Nneka Ogwumike is on a planned visit with the Minnesota Lynx, a source familiar tells me. The leaked balloon video was not news that the (2016) WNBA MVP will be joining the Lynx. She will be meeting with multiple teams.
Costabile wrote on the same day for Front Office Sports about the viral balloon scene:
“Amazing Balloons MN, a local Minnesota company, was first to report the news when the company posted and quickly deleted a video of the company’s employees setting up a balloon arch around a sign, ‘Welcome Nneka’ at the Lynx facility.”
Costabile emphasized that Ogwumike “has not agreed to terms with the Lynx.
Last season, the 2016 champ averaged 18.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1. Steals per game. She shot 51.9%, including 36.7% from deep, numbers that could boost a Napheesa Collier-led frontline.
The Lynx lost in the 2024 WNBA Finals before losing in the semis last year. Adding Nneka Ogwumike could get them over the hump.
Nneka Ogwumike Offers Shooting and Upgrade to Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier-Led Frontcourt
Last season, Napheesa Collier’s frontcourt partners were mainly Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith, who are both unrestricted free agents. Shepard and Smith, both 6-foot-4, are excellent rebounders and defenders, but they are non-threats from outside. The former attempted just one 3-point attempt last season, while the latter made 53 of 161 tries (32.9%).
To deter opponents from collapsing the paint, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve would sometimes insert Bridget Carleton, who shot 37.3% from behind last season. However, Minnesota left Carleton unprotected in the expansion draft, allowing the Portland Fire to get her.
The Lynx could surround Collier with Smith, the co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, and add Ogwumike to form easily one of the best front courts in the WNBA.
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