It's official: Whalen's sticking with Lynx pack

BY MIKE PEDEN

While Minnesota Lynx games are notorious for being unpredictable, there will be one less question on the minds of fans for many games to come.

Around 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning at the Target Center media room, Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen signed a multi-year contract extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, although reports from KMSP-TV and the Pioneer Press said she would make the league-maximum $101,500 per season.

"We've had a chance to rekindle the memories of what Lindsay means to a team. After a slow start, things are really coming together for the Lynx," said Lynx executive vice president Roger Griffith. "With Lindsay, we have one of the top two point guards in this league. Point guards are not easy to find."

Whalen already broke the team's single-season record for assists in their win against San Antonio Tuesday, and adds a deadly stroke from the free throw line, sinking 90% of her shots this season.

"When you see the leadership qualities she has, the energy she can bring to her teammates and fans, this is a really great situation to be in," Griffith said.

Whalen joined the Lynx this season in a trade with the Connecticut Sun for Renee Montgomery as the Lynx sought to answer criticism of being too young to compete. The transaction will also provide stability for a team that has seen three head coaches in the last three seasons, along with several changes in its roster.

Griffith said the intent of that trade was to lock up Minnesota's biggest female basketball star with the hometown professional team.

"That's a pointless trade if the intent is to not take care of long-term business," he said. "On the one hand, it's a high priority. On the other hand, it's nothing I felt I ever had to lose sleep over."

Although Whalen provided a solid presence for the Connecticut Sun from 2004 through 2009, the former University of Minnesota star always hoped she would get a chance to return home.

"It's great to know I'll be here," she said. "Just seeing familiar faces, it's been a great experience."

Whalen's presence has benefited the Lynx front office as well, as Griffith said both ticket and sponsorship revenue increased this season. While specifics were not disclosed, the moves signal a message that the Lynx will be sticking around despite the WNBA's downsizing over the last two seasons.

"Glen (Taylor) has always been behind this," Griffith said. "We're focused on making this business succeed."

Whalen's signing marks the second marquis Minnesota player to sign a long-term contract with a hometown team this year. Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer did the same prior to the start of the 2010 Major League Baseball season.

In a fitting way, both teams find themselves in the heat of the playoff race in their respective leagues. While Whalen will not be boosting the neighbors across the street at Target Field, her focus throughout the press conference was making sure the Lynx qualify for a playoff spot. The Lynx have played close to .500 ball since starting 2-9, giving them a 1.5-game lead over Los Angeles for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

"We've all come together. It seems we've been playing playoff games for a couple weeks now, knowing that we have to keep winning," Whalen said. "Even when we were struggling, we have great team chemistry."