Napheesa Collier says she hasn't thought about free agency yet after Lynx's surprising first-round playoff exit

Napheesa Collier has an important decision to make this offseason. After spending her first eight seasons with the Minnesota Lynx , Collier will be an unrestricted free agent. While she's had opportunities to leave the franchise in the past, she's always returned. But after another premature playoff exit, could Collier decide to take her talents elsewhere?

The five-time All-Star hasn't entertained that question yet. Just days after the team's surprising loss to the New York Liberty , Collier said she hasn't had time to decompress and think about the future just yet.

She did, however, reiterate her love for the Lynx and the city of Minnesota, per Colin Salao of Front Office Sports.

"I haven't even thought about that. We lost less than 48 hours ago, and I don't think, we didn't expect to be here, you know. So I really haven't had any time to decompress or anything like that. "I can tell you, I love it here. I love the organization. I love it here. I love the organization. But I just haven't had the time to give it any thought."

The first-round loss clearly came as a shock to Collier. That's to be expected after the Lynx turned in a WNBA-best 33-11 record in 2026. The team accomplished that feat despite Collier playing in just 16 regular-season games after missing time with ankle injuries at the start of the season.

In those 16 games, Collier averaged 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

In Collier's absence, the Lynx were buoyed by All-Stars Natasha Howard and Courtney Williams . The team also received excellent production from veteran Kayla McBride and unanimous Rookie of the Year winner Olivia Miles.

All four of those players are under contract with the team next season, giving Collier a good chance to add another championship to her résumé if she re-signs with the franchise. While Collier didn't commit to doing that Thursday, she didn't rule out the possibility, either, merely saying she still needs time to consider her future.

It's not the only big decision Collier has to make over the offseason. With long-time WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike retiring from the WNBA , that position will be up for grabs this offseason. Collier was elected as the union's First Vice-President in June, giving her a line to the top job if she wants it.

Collier was non-committal about the position when asked Thursday, per FOS.

"That is another thing that I haven't really thought about, just because obviously you're just so focused on the season when it's happening. And I think that's something that we're going to have to talk about as a union. We haven't had any talks of an election or anything like that, so that's something I'm going to have to sit down and think about. And so I don't know what the future holds."

Though Collier's numbers were down coming off her injuries, she's still young enough to return to MVP form, especially if she has a fully healthy offseason.

Whether that comes with the Lynx or elsewhere remains to be seen, but it's probably important for Collier to carefully consider both decisions over the offseason. Each one can have a profound effect on the future of the WNBA and should not be taken lightly.