Minnesota Lynx waive Alissa Pili, their 2024 first-round draft pick

The Minnesota Lynx waived forward Alissa Pili on Saturday, just before the WNBA's July 13 cutdown deadline. This deadline is significant because after Sunday, teams can no longer waive players on unprotected contracts without absorbing their full salaries for the season. This rule includes rookie contracts, which don't become fully guaranteed until a player's fourth WNBA season.

Pili, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft out of Utah, had signed a three-year deal with the Lynx. In 15 games this season, she averaged 1.9 points and 1.2 rebounds in 5.9 minutes per game.

Waiving Pili provides the Lynx with roster flexibility. This move is particularly important as elite Belgian forward Emma Meesseman is expected to return to the WNBA. Meesseman, widely regarded as the best player not currently on a WNBA roster, recently led Belgium to the EuroBasket championship and was named tournament MVP. She has existing ties to the Lynx organization, having played overseas with Lynx stars Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride, and being coached by current Lynx associate head coach Eric Thibault.

Collier publicly expressed strong support for signing Meesseman, calling her a perfect fit and stating her addition would significantly boost the Lynx's championship chances. Meesseman, a two-time All-Star and 2019 Finals MVP, last played in the WNBA in 2022. Her arrival would strengthen the Lynx, who currently lead the WNBA standings.