Unrivaled may spark enjoyable Minnesota Lynx reunion on the Chicago Sky’s expanse

Unrivaled shortly turned a hotbed for WNBA free company discussions in its first season. Many of the highest W gamers had been all in the identical place, recruiting one another, connecting with new gamers, and rehashing outdated connections. This season, Unrivaled’s affect on WNBA free company must be even greater. 

Almost each veteran within the league will enter free company as soon as a brand new CBA is signed. The majority of Unrivaled gamers, excluding these nonetheless on rookie contracts, may have the chance to pursue new choices in free company. 

Lynx star Napheesa Collier may recruit a former teammate to rejoin her in Minnesota. Collier will group up with Rachel Banham on the Lunar Owls. 

Rachel Banham may deliver 3-point taking pictures and ball dealing with to Minnesota

Despite the disappointing ending to the 2025 season, it appears affordable to count on the Lynx to run it again with most of their core gamers and intention for an additional finals look. Still, the roster may bear some modifications, particularly with one other enlargement draft arising. 

The Lynx have a number of gamers set to compete in Unrivaled—Collier, Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, and Natisha Hiedeman—and they’ll undoubtedly do a little bit of recruiting. Collier’s group, the Lunar Owls, options free brokers Rebecca Allen, Skylar Diggins, Rachel Banham, and Marina Mabrey. 

Mabrey was already thought of a potential goal for the Lynx when she requested a commerce out of Connecticut earlier than the 2025 season. However, that commerce request was by no means granted, and Mabrey said later on that she wanted to be back with the Sun. 

If the Lynx are on the lookout for a veteran reserve guard, a reunion with Rachel Banham may very well be on the desk. Banham performed for the Lynx between 2020 and 2023 and continues to be associates with Collier. The two lately went to a Minnesota Timberwolves sport collectively. Banham spent the final two seasons with the Chicago Sky, however may very nicely be on her manner out given the group’s struggles and unsure future. 

Banham is a confirmed 3-point menace, frequently taking pictures between 35 and 40% on a comparatively excessive quantity. During the 2025 season, she additionally proved that she may deal with the ball and grew considerably as a passer and playmaker. With Courtney Vandersloot out and Hailey Van Lith caught on the finish of the bench, Banham needed to take over because the Sky’s start line guard. 

The Lynx may use one other ball handler, and a 3-point menace is at all times arrange nicely to reach Cheryl Reeve’s system. However, at 5’10”, Banham wouldn’t deliver a lot measurement to a Lynx backcourt that already options two small guards—on condition that Williams and Hiedeman stick round subsequent season. 

For the Sky, shedding one in all their few constant, veteran contributors can be a troublesome blow, particularly in the event that they lose her to a Lynx group that already owns their lottery decide.