Layshia Clarendon's contract termination by Lynx is only a formality

The guard will be signed to a season-long contract by the weekend.

July 1, 2021 at 4:59PM
Minnesota Lynx's Layshia Clarendon (7) is defended by Chicago Sky's Dana Evans (11) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Minneapolis. Chicago won 105-89. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
(AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Layshia Clarendon has been a valuable addition to the Lynx and will be signed to a season-long contract by Saturday, a source confirmed.

In the interim, the Lynx had to terminate Clarendon's hardship exception contract Thursday. The 5-9 guard has started 10 of the 11 games they have played in, averaging 9.1 points and 4.9 assists. Clarendon scored 12 points in Wednesday's 82-76 victory in Phoenix.

As the Lynx maneuver toward signing Clarendon, the team had to release Rachel Banham on Monday, although she is expected to be re-signed shortly.

The Lynx have four games remaining before the Olympic break. The team has struggled to keep under the salary cap after injuries to Aerial Powers (thumb surgery), rookie Rennia Davis (stress fracture) and backup center Natalie Achonwa (sprained knee ligament).

about the writer

about the writer

Kent Youngblood

Reporter

Kent Youngblood has covered sports for the Star Tribune for more than 20 years.

See More