As WNBA free agency picks up momentum, the Minnesota Lynx are reportedly set to make their first key moves when the signing period officially opens on Feb. 1.
According to Kent Youngblood of the Minnesota Star Tribune, the Lynx are expected to re-sign guard Natisha Hiedeman and sign French center Marieme Badiane, with deals potentially becoming official as soon as Saturday.
Youngblood notes that while these transactions may not be the team’s final moves in free agency, they are significant for a Lynx squad that, after a 30-10 season and a trip to the WNBA Finals, is determined to remain competitive in 2025.
Both signings bolster Minnesota’s depth, adding two experienced players who are expected to contribute primarily as part of the second unit.
Hiedeman Returns for a Second Season
Hiedeman arrived in Minnesota last offseason via trade from the Connecticut Sun. Playing behind starting guard Courtney Williams, she embraced a different role than earlier in her career, coming off the bench as a key contributor in the Lynx’s second unit.
The 27-year-old guard, who has a strong rapport with Williams, brought valuable experience on and off the court. However, she looks to improve offensively in 2025 after averaging 4.9 points, 2.4 assists, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 15.2 minutes across all 40 regular-season games in 2024.
As Hiedeman prepares for her seventh WNBA season and second with the Lynx, she aims to build on her impact in Minnesota’s backcourt rotation.
Badiane Brings International Experience
Badiane, a 6-foot-3 center, will be making her WNBA debut after an accomplished career overseas. The 30-year-old has played a key role in championship-winning teams across the EuroLeague, Europe SuperCup, Ligue Féminine Basket, Basketball Super League, Turkish Cup, and Turkish Presidential Cup.
Currently playing for Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe, Badiane has averaged 5.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in 17.0 minutes per game over 12 EuroLeague appearances. She also represented France in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she helped her team reach the gold medal game against Team USA, averaging 7.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in 26.4 minutes across six contests.
The Lynx are wasting no time in free agency as they look to retool for another deep postseason run. By bringing back Hiedeman and adding Badiane, Minnesota is strengthening its bench with two veteran players who could play important roles in the upcoming WNBA season.
