A record-breaking season, a brutal injury, and now a decision that raised just as many questions as it answered. After leading the Minnesota Lynx to one of their best campaigns in 2025, Napheesa Collier’s return felt inevitable. But as she re-signs with the franchise, the terms of that return? That’s what’s turning heads.

In a move that cost the Lynx $1.4 million, they secured Collier on a one-year deal. While this decision comes as great news for fans who wanted their star back, the short-term nature of the contract has fans wondering why. And in her latest media appearance, she didn’t shy away from explaining.

“I’m so focused on right now with my injury and this year winning a championship,” she revealed. “That is what I’m doing. So getting back with amazing staff, playing with our amazing players, and just focus on this year and winning.”

That clarity is enough to tell you about where her mindset is.

In one of the most efficient campaigns in WNBA history, Napheesa Collier averaged 22.9 points while shooting over 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line. And with this, she became only the second player ever to record a 50-40-90 season after Elena Delle Donne.

Now, add in career highs in scoring and blocks, and a second-place MVP finish, and it’s clear that she was operating at an elite level. However, that momentum came to a sudden stop when Collier suffered a devastating injury during the semifinals.

She tore multiple ligaments in her ankle after a collision with Alyssa Thomas. That setback eventually required an offseason surgery on both ankles, forcing her into months of recovery and even sidelining her from the second season of Unrivaled, the 3×3 league she co-founded with Breanna Stewart.

Still, because of her, the Minnesota Lynx finished 34–10 (one of the best records in franchise history). Which is why this one-year deal doesn’t feel like a stopgap. So her decision for a one-year deal might just be about unfinished business as she plans to finish what she started and push this group toward a championship.

“Phee has been such an integral part of the Lynx since she was drafted in 2019,” Minnesota’s coach and president of basketball operations, Cheryl Reeve, said. “Coming off a historic 50/40/90 season and guiding the Lynx to the most wins in franchise history. Phee is hungry to position the Lynx for a championship run in 2026.”

But there is an even bigger picture at play.

With the WNBA entering a new era under its updated collective bargaining agreement, salary caps and player earnings are set to rise significantly. By opting for a short-term deal now, Collier positions herself to hit unrestricted free agency in 2027, without the possibility of being cored. That will give her maximum flexibility in what could be an even more lucrative market.

But for now, the only thing to worry about is the 2026 season. So let’s take a look at how this team shapes up heading into a year that promises to keep everyone on their toes.

Can Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx win this year’s championship?

After a franchise-best campaign, the message from the front office is loud and clear: this season isn’t about maintaining momentum, it’s about turning it into a title.

And that starts with the piece everything revolves around.

We already know Napheesa Collier isn’t going anywhere. The Lynx have locked her for one more year. But there’s a catch.

Collier is still working her way back from the ankle surgery, which means Minnesota may have to navigate the early stretch without its most important piece fully available. But the rest of the roster around her is more than capable of carrying the team until Collier feels fully healthy.

Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams are both back, which will give Minnesota a backcourt that has the ability to make shots while staying in control. In the frontcourt, Natasha Howard adds championship experience and defensive edge, forming a versatile core that can adapt to any matchup.

Then there is the move that has shifted the ceiling entirely.

With the No. 2 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Minnesota landed Olivia Miles. Miles’ ability to score, rebound, and create instantly changes how the Lynx operate. Instead of forcing offense through set actions, Minnesota now has a guard who can bend defenses on her own.

So now just think about Miles pushing tempo, McBride spacing the floor, Williams attacking secondary gaps, and Collier eventually returning to operate as the piece who does it all; this isn’t just a good team anymore- they are a dangerous one.

And if you want a first look at just how dangerous this group can be, circle May 10 on the calendar, when the Minnesota Lynx open their 2026 season against the Atlanta Dream in a matchup that will set the tone for what comes next.