Dallas Wings Decimate Minnesota Lynx Frontcourt in Free Agency

Lynx left with only one viable draft choice after losing key players to other teams.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:29pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of color representing the Minnesota Lynx and Dallas Wings uniforms, conveying the disjointed state of the Lynx's roster after key offseason losses.The Dallas Wings' aggressive free agency moves have left the Minnesota Lynx with a fractured frontcourt, forcing them to rebuild through the draft.Minneapolis Today

The Minnesota Lynx have had a brutal offseason, losing several key players in free agency and the expansion draft. The Dallas Wings in particular have decimated the Lynx's frontcourt, signing Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard to long-term deals. This, combined with Napheesa Collier's injury, leaves the Lynx with almost no depth in the frontcourt. The Lynx now hold the number-two pick in the draft and are likely to select UCLA's Lauren Betts, a defensive standout, to try and shore up their roster.

Why it matters

The Lynx have been one of the WNBA's most successful franchises in recent years, winning multiple championships. However, this offseason's losses have left them in a precarious position, with a lack of frontcourt depth that could seriously hamper their chances of competing for a title. The draft will be crucial for them to try and rebuild their roster and remain competitive.

The details

The Lynx lost Bridget Carleton to the Portland Fire and Maria Kliundikova to the Toronto Tempo in the expansion draft. They also saw Natisha Hiedeman sign with the Seattle Storm, while the Dallas Wings lured away Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard. These departures, combined with Napheesa Collier's injury, have left the Lynx with almost no depth in the frontcourt. Dorka Juhasz and Anastasiia Kosu are under contract, but neither is seen as a replacement for the departed players.

  • The Lynx lost Bridget Carleton and Maria Kliundikova in the expansion draft.
  • Natisha Hiedeman signed with the Seattle Storm.
  • The Dallas Wings signed Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard to long-term deals.

The players

Napheesa Collier

A key player for the Lynx who is currently injured.

Dorka Juhasz

A Lynx player who sat out last season and is seen as a potential replacement for the departed frontcourt players.

Anastasiia Kosu

A Lynx player who barely played as a rookie and is also seen as a potential replacement for the departed frontcourt players.

Lauren Betts

A UCLA center who is expected to be selected by the Lynx with the number-two pick in the draft, as she could help shore up their frontcourt.

Cheryl Reeve

The Lynx's head coach, who is known for building winning teams around great defenses and strong rim protectors.

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What’s next

The Lynx will select Lauren Betts with the number-two pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, hoping she can help shore up their depleted frontcourt.

The takeaway

The Lynx's offseason losses, particularly in the frontcourt, have left them in a precarious position heading into the draft. Their selection of Lauren Betts will be crucial in determining whether they can remain competitive in the WNBA next season.