{"id":375302,"date":"2025-12-29T04:30:07","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T04:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/375302\/"},"modified":"2025-12-29T04:30:07","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T04:30:07","slug":"minnesota-lynx-offseason-update-vol-3-a-break-over-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/375302\/","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota Lynx Offseason Update Vol. 3: A Break Over the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Welcome to a new week and a new Lynx Offseason Update! The final Offseason Update of the 2025 calendar year!<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">As we near the new year, let me be the first to wish you a very Happy New Year and a great start to 2026. All of us at Canis Hoopus thank you for your support and for continuing to come back to read the great content our team churns out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">With the year coming to a close, the offseason is just getting started \u2014 or is about to start \u2014 for Minnesota Lynx players across the globe. Though this week, it was a break for everyone overseas with no appearances by Lynx players over the holidays.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Among players who finished on the Lynx roster in 2025 and those who are under team control, Minnesota has a total of 13 players playing or planning to play this offseason. Those 13 players are Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, Natisha Hiedeman, Kayla McBride, Bridget Carlton, Jessica Shepard, Maia Hirsch, Dorka Juh\u00e1sz, Maria Kliundikova, Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, Camryn Taylor and Jaylyn Sherrod.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Let\u2019s take a look at where those Lynx players are playing \u2014 or where they plan to play \u2014 how they have performed so far this offseason.<\/p>\n<p>Kayla McBride \u2014 Fenerbah\u00e7e (Turkey)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">McBride is back at her second home in Turkey while returning to play for Turkish powerhouse Fenerbah\u00e7e. Though some expected her to return to play in Unrivaled this offseason, McBride chose to start the offseason overseas with a team that is special to her.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">McBride has continued to find success from deep for her squad, though she didn\u2019t appear in any games over the past week.<\/p>\n<p>Turkey-KBSL: 6 games \u2014 15.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.5 SPGEuroLeague: 6 games \u2014 15.8 PPG, 3.8 APG, 2.7 RPG, 1.8 SPGDec. 13 vs. Mersin (90-81 win): 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-6 3Pt), four assists, three rebounds and one steal over 27 minutesDec. 18 vs. Zaragoza (95-64 win): 14 points (4-10 FG, 2-7 3Pt), six assists, four rebounds and three steals over 28 minutesDec. 21 vs. Nesibe (99-69 win): 14 points (6-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt), five rebounds and five assists over 29 minutes<\/p>\n<p>Bridget Carleton \u2014 USK Praha (Czech Republic)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Carleton is off in a new country this offseason, adding her seventh country she\u2019s played in during her career along with Australia, Spain, Franco, Hungary, Israel and Turkey.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Carleton has done a little bit of everything in Czech Republic-ZBL and EuroLeague action this offseason, leaving her mark on multiple areas of the game like we\u2019ve become used to seeing with the Lynx. Over the past week, Carleton didn\u2019t take part in any games in the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n<p>Czech Republic-ZBL: 5 games \u2014 10.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.6 SPGEuroLeague: 5 games \u2014 10.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPGDec. 13 vs. KP Bmo (100-69 win): seven points (3-10 FG, 1-7 3Pt), two rebounds, one block and one steal over 19 minutesDec. 17 vs. Famila Schio (99-78 loss): six points (2-7 FG, 2-6 3Pt), three rebounds, three assists and one steal over 30 minutes<\/p>\n<p>Jessica Shepard \u2014 Famila Schio (Italy)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shepard is in a new country this offseason after spending last offseason in Greece, taking the court with Italian power Famila Schio. She has played in Greece, Israel and Italy so far in her career.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shepard has put up some impressive numbers in Italy this offseason, once again being a double-double machine like we\u2019ve been accustomed to seeing. Over the past week, Shepard didn\u2019t take part in any Italy-Serie A1 or EuroLeague contests.<\/p>\n<p>Italy-Serie A1: 9 games \u2014 17.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPGEuroLeague: 8 games \u2014 15.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.3 SPGDec. 14 vs. Battipaglia (100-52 win): 15 points (6-9 FG), 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block over 21 minutesDec. 17 vs. USK Praha (99-78 win): 23 points (8-8 FG), eight rebounds and six assists over 35 minutesDec. 20 vs. Roseto (91-62 win): 26 points (11-15 FG), 17 rebounds and three assists over 25 minutes<\/p>\n<p>Maria Kliundikova \u2014 UMMC Yekateringburg (Russia)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Kliundiokva, who was a midseason arrival for Minnesota and ended up with a nice role off the bench for the Lynx, is back in her home country of Russia this offseason playing for UMMC Yekateringburg alongside soon-to-be second-year Lynx forward Anastasiia Olairi Kosu.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Kliundikova has put together a balanced offseason so far, helping her squad offensively and on the boards while also impacting other areas of the game. Over the past week, she too didn\u2019t take part in any action overseas.<\/p>\n<p>Russia-PBL: 11 games \u2014 12.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPGDec. 17 vs. Neftyanik (97-43 win): 10 points (5-8 FG), four rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal over 18 minutesDec. 20 vs. Samara (118-59 win): 11 points (5-10 FG), 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal over 17 minutes<\/p>\n<p>Dorka Juh\u00e1sz \u2014 Galatasaray (Turkey)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Juh\u00e1sz is spending her WNBA offseason in a new country, playing in Turkey this season rather than Italy like we\u2019ve seen in the past. Juh\u00e1sz, who sat out the 2025 WNBA campaign while remaining overseas, is still under contract with Minnesota through 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Juh\u00e1sz has made an impact on both ends of the floor in both Turkey-KBSL and EuroLeague action, putting together balanced a showing in Turkey. Over the past week, she was on a bit of break with no appearances.<\/p>\n<p>Turkey-KBSL: 7 games \u2014 12.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.0 BPGEuroLeague: 10 games \u2014 12.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPGDec. 17 vs. Bourges (80-62 win): 13 points (4-12 FG, 0-4 3Pt), seven rebounds, two assists and two steals over 35 minutesDec. 20 vs. Botas (90-58 win): six points (3-10 FG, 0-2 3Pt), five rebounds, three blocks, two assists and one steal over 18 minutes<\/p>\n<p>Anastasiia Olairi Kosu \u2014 UMMC Yekateringburg (Russia)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Kosu is back home in Russia this offseason, playing with fellow Lynx teammate Maria Kliundikova with UMMC Yekateringburg.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Kosu, who Minnesota is hoping continues to develop leading into her second WNBA campaign, has gotten off to a nice start in Russia this offseason. Over the past week, she didn\u2019t appear in any games.<\/p>\n<p>Russia-PBL: 7 games \u2014 12.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 0.4 BPGNov. 22 vs. Enisey (80-66 win): 21 points (9-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt), five rebounds, six steals and two blocks over 27 minutesNov. 26 vs. MBA (75-57 win): three points (1-3 FG), four rebounds and one assist over 12 minutes<\/p>\n<p>Maia Hirsch \u2014 Charleville-Mezieres (France)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">We have yet to see Hirsch in the WNBA after being drafted by the Lynx in the first round of the 2023 WNBA Draft, but she continues to play in France this offseason as she continues to develop.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">After an up-and-down offseason last year, Hirsch is off to a nice start to this offseason with some additional time on the floor as well. Over the past week, she didn\u2019t appear in any games.<\/p>\n<p>Franco-BWL: 8 games \u2014 9.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.3 BPGEuroLeague: 6 games \u2014 7.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.8 SPGNov. 26 vs. Famila Schio (74-57 loss): two points (1-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt), two rebounds and two assists over 25 minutesNov. 29 vs. Chartres (83-67 win): six points (3-5 FG), two rebounds, one assist and one steal over 13 minutes<\/p>\n<p>Camryn Taylor \u2014 Landerneau (France)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Taylor, who joined the Lynx late in the 2025 WNBA season and was part of the playoff run, has moved from Greece last offseason to France and Landerneau Bretagne Basket this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Taylor had a slow start to the offseason schedule, but has picked things up as of late with two straight double-digit outings. Over the past week, she didn\u2019t appear in any games.<\/p>\n<p>France-BWL: 6 games \u2014 5.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.2 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.2 BPGNov. 29 vs. Angers (75-67 win): 12 points (5-6 FG, 2-2 3Pt), two rebounds and one block over 19 minutes<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">While the players listed above have already begun their seasons across the globe, four more Lynx players will remain in the country and will take part in the second season of Unrivaled.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Natisha Hiedeman and Alanna Smith are taking part in Unrivaled\u2019s second season. Former Lynx General Manager Clare Duwelius is also still serving as Unrivaled\u2019s General Manager and Executive Vice President.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That 3-on-3 league, which is expanding from six teams to eight in 2026, will kick off its inaugural season in Florida on Jan. 5.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Along with those four, Jaylyn Sherrod is also playing in the country this offseason, taking part in Athletes Unlimited\u2019s fifth season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Sherrod will be one of 40 players participating in the fast-paced, full-court, 5-on-5 league that begins in early February in Nashville.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That will do it for this week. As always, thank you for reading! We will catch up with you next week with another Lynx Offseason Update.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Welcome to a new week and a new Lynx Offseason Update! The final Offseason Update of the 2025&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":375303,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[1077,99,434],"class_list":{"0":"post-375302","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-wnba","8":"tag-minnesota-lynx","9":"tag-sports","10":"tag-wnba"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/375302","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=375302"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/375302\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/375303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=375302"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=375302"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=375302"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}