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Minnesota Lynx Lose Key Players, But Juhasz's Return Could Soften the Blow
The Lynx had a tough free agency period, but the addition of Dorka Juhasz could help offset their losses.
Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:14pm
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The Minnesota Lynx face an uncertain future after key free agency losses, but the return of EuroLeague MVP Dorka Juhasz could provide a much-needed boost.NYC TodayThe Minnesota Lynx lost several key players in free agency, including Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, and Jessica Shepard. However, the return of Dorka Juhasz, the newly crowned EuroLeague MVP, could help mitigate the impact of those losses. Juhasz sat out the 2025 WNBA season due to the wear and tear on her body from playing year-round, but she is now expected to join the Lynx for the 2026 season and provide size, rebounding, and versatility in the frontcourt.
Why it matters
The Lynx's losses in free agency were significant, as they parted ways with several key contributors from last season's team. However, the addition of Juhasz, who had a standout season in the EuroLeague, could help the Lynx remain competitive and contend with the top teams in the league, such as the Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, and Indiana Fever.
The details
The Lynx lost Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Natisha Hiedeman, DiJonai Carrington, and Maria Kliundikova in free agency. Losing Smith and Shepard, in particular, was a blow, as they were important frontcourt players. However, the Lynx landed Olivia Miles with the second overall pick in the draft and will welcome back Dorka Juhasz, who sat out the 2025 WNBA season due to the wear and tear on her body from playing year-round. Juhasz had a standout season in the EuroLeague, averaging 12.8 points, 8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1 steal per game, and leading her team to the EuroLeague finals. At 26, she is the youngest EuroLeague MVP winner to date.
- Juhasz sat out the 2025 WNBA season due to the wear and tear on her body from playing year-round.
- Juhasz is expected to join the Lynx for the 2026 WNBA season.
The players
Dorka Juhasz
A 26-year-old forward who was the 2026 EuroLeague MVP after averaging 12.8 points, 8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1 steal per game for Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring Istanbul. She is expected to join the Minnesota Lynx for the 2026 WNBA season.
Napheesa Collier
A key player for the Minnesota Lynx who is still recovering from ankle surgeries.
Kayla McBride
A veteran guard for the Minnesota Lynx.
Courtney Williams
A guard for the Minnesota Lynx.
Natasha Howard
A forward for the Minnesota Lynx.
Olivia Miles
The second overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, who was selected by the Minnesota Lynx.
What they’re saying
“Juhasz was expected to return to the Lynx for the 2026 season.”
— Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx Head Coach
What’s next
The Lynx will need to determine how Juhasz fits into their rotation and how she can help offset the losses of Smith and Shepard. They will also need to monitor Collier's recovery from her ankle surgeries and ensure she is able to play at an MVP level.
The takeaway
While the Lynx had a tough free agency period, the return of Dorka Juhasz, the newly crowned EuroLeague MVP, could help soften the blow of their losses. Juhasz's size, rebounding, and versatility in the frontcourt could be crucial as the Lynx look to remain competitive and contend with the top teams in the league.
