For McBride, the reason is simple: The Lynx win. She began her career playing against the Lynx in the middle of their dynastic run to four titles in seven seasons. She watched as Reeve retooled the team, which essentially was broken up after the 2018 season, while still making the playoffs. In the WNBA bubble last summer, McBride said she saw a Lynx team that was tight, played together, and reached the league semifinals with center Sylvia Fowles sidelined.
"They were in the semis last year, just like us," said McBride, who played for the Las Vegas Aces. "In this league, that counts, how you show up every day, how you compete every day. That doesn't go unnoticed. It was a no-brainer to want to be a part of that. Being a part of it is going to make me better. And the skill set I have will help the team as well."
Having retooled with consecutive WNBA rookies of the year in Napheesa Collier and Crystal Dangerfield, and with Fowles still at an All-Star level, the new CBA couldn't have come at a better time. This is the second free agency period under the new deal, and the amount of movement — and available players — is unprecedented.
The Lynx, with several players still on their rookie deals, were able to pounce, agreeing to terms with McBride, Natalie Achonwa and Aerial Powers. Salaries in the WNBA are not made public; the average league salary is $100,000.
Reeve talked about adding pieces that would take her team to a new level, and her goal: to win another title with a different team.
McBride, meanwhile, talked about joining a team on the rise. Relegated to a large extent to three-point shooting in a Las Vegas offense built around post players A'ja Wilson and Liz Cambage, the 5-11 guard will be expected to score on post-ups, to create her own shot. She will have a freedom she might not have had before.
