Portland Just Took a Lynx Star No. 1 and Minnesota Lost Two More in the WNBA Expansion Draft
The Minnesota Lynx got hit hard in Friday's WNBA expansion draft, losing forward Bridget Carleton to the Portland Fire as the first overall pick. If that wasn't enough, Toronto Tempo also grabbed Julie Allemand and snagged Maria Kliundikova from Minnesota in a separate move.
Carleton Goes First to Portland
When the Portland Fire made the first selection of the expansion draft, they didn't wait around. Bridget Carleton's name was called, making her the franchise's opening salvo as they build their inaugural roster. That's a statement pick right there. The Fire clearly saw what they wanted, and they weren't messing around.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiToronto Temps Takes Two, Lynx Lose Two
The Toronto Tempo weren't shy either. They grabbed Allemand off the board and then acquired Kliundikova from Minnesota in a transaction that sent even more depth out of the Twin Cities. Three pieces gone from a Lynx squad that was already dealing with roster upheaval.
What's Next for Minnesota
The expansion draft is always brutal for the teams getting picked from, and Friday was no exception for the Lynx. Losing Carleton at the top of the draft stings, but that's the cost of being one of the league's established powerhouses. Minnesota will need to regroup and find ways to stay competitive while two new franchises build their rosters with their picks.
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