Lynx Secure Backcourt Continuity as Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride Return
The Minnesota Lynx have solidified their core for 2025, reaching deals to retain the All-Star guard duo that led them to the WNBA Finals.
Primary source: ESPN Top Headlines. Full source links and update notes are below.
Fast summary
Start here
- Courtney Williams has agreed to a two-year maximum contract to remain in Minnesota.
- Kayla McBride is also returning, ensuring the Lynx keep their starting perimeter core intact.
- The duo played a vital role in Minnesota's 2024 season, which included a Commissioner's Cup title and a Finals appearance.
What happened
The Minnesota Lynx have reached agreements to bring back veteran guards Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride. Williams, who joined the Lynx last season and immediately became a central figure in their offense, has agreed to a two-year maximum contract. McBride, a perennial sharpshooter and defensive presence, will also return to the lineup as the team looks to build on its recent postseason success.
What's new in this update
This move confirms that the Lynx are doubling down on their existing backcourt rather than seeking changes in the free-agent market. The commitment to a two-year max deal for Williams highlights her value to coach Cheryl Reeve's system after she averaged 10.1 points and 5.5 assists per game in 2024.
Key details
Williams and McBride provided a balanced attack alongside MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier. McBride averaged 15.0 points per game last season while shooting 40.7% from beyond the arc. Together with Williams' mid-range scoring and playmaking, they formed one of the most efficient and versatile backcourts in the league.
Background and context
The 2024 Minnesota Lynx season was a resurgence for the franchise. After a slow start to the previous decade's end, the team won the Commissioner's Cup and pushed the New York Liberty to a decisive fifth game in the WNBA Finals. Maintaining roster continuity is a strategic priority for Reeve as the league enters a period of high player movement with the expansion draft and new salary cap considerations.
What to watch next
With the primary backcourt secured, the Lynx front office will shift focus to filling out the bench and managing the salary cap for the remainder of free agency. Fans should watch for how these signings affect the team's ability to protect players ahead of the Golden State Valkyries' expansion draft.
Why it matters
By retaining Williams and McBride, the Lynx preserve the chemistry and veteran leadership of a roster that finished just one win shy of a WNBA championship in 2024.
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