Minnesota Lynx waive former Top 10 pick after loss to Chicago Sky

The Minnesota Lynx have waived second-year forward Alissa Pili, per the WNBA’s transactions page. Pili, who was drafted with the 8th pick in 2024, wasn’t able to crack the rotation in her first two seasons in Minnesota. Now, her tenure comes to an end.

Pili appeared in 36 games across her first two seasons, averaging 2.2 points and 1.2 rebounds in 6.1 minutes per game. Pili’s best game this season came on June 14th, in which she recorded 8 points in a 10-minute stint against the Sparks. But, she never managed to break through before being waived midseason.

Last year, during the WNBA Finals, Pili told SB Nation that getting regular DNPs was a mental challenge.

“It’s definitely taken a toll on me mentally,” she said. “I’ve never been in this position before, and my coach knows that.”

Still, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such high-profile moments.

“There aren’t a lot of rookies that get to be in this position I’m in, and the fact that our team is so successful has been really fun to be a part of,” Pili said. “It’s just been a very great learning experience. I’m trying to soak everything in.”

Pili was an elite college player; as a freshman at the University of Southern California, she averaged 16.3 points per game, and in her senior season at her University of Utah, she was one of the most efficient scorers in the country, averaging 21.4 points per game on 55% shooting, while shooting 40.4% from beyond the arc.

The announcement came shortly after the Lynx’s 87-71 loss to the Chicago Sky. The Lynx are now 18-4 on the season, owners of the best record in the WNBA. Presumably, Minnesota will sign another player to their 12th roster spot in place of Pili, but who that will be has yet to be announced.