Lynx's Napheesa Collier trade update could dictate WNBA deadline

Before a Sunday afternoon showdown with the surging Indiana Fever, the Minnesota Lynx clarified their trade deadline stance amid rumors that star player Napheesa Collier could be traded by the 3 p.m. ET deadline.The Lynx, winners of nine in a row, have the WNBA's best record at 24-6. But Collier -- a pending free agent -- has been on the periphery this season, as she missed the first 27 games while recovering from offseason ankle surgery.Collier's absence provided a platform for rookie Olivia Miles to shine and emerge as a possible MVP candidate, and The Athletic's Annie Costabile reported this week that the Lynx could explore a shock Collier trade if the five-time All-Star signals an unwillingness to sign a new contract.MORE: Lynx get shocking Napheesa Collier trade update ahead of WNBA d