Maya Moore to Sit Out 2019 WNBA Season

Maya Moore ended weeks of speculation today by announcing she would sit out the 2019 WNBA season. She will instead focus:

“...on the people in my family, as well as on investing my time in some ministry dreams that have been stirring in my heart for many years.”

—from The Players Tribune.

Whether she returns to the WNBA and the Lynx in 2020 or at some future point remains to be seen.

This obviously leaves an MVP-sized hole in the Lynx lineup, something they cannot replace. In the meantime, however, they have been active on the free agent front, re-signing Seimone Augustus and signing Karima Christmas-Kelly. They have also signed restricted free agent Damiris Dantas to an offer sheet.

The Lynx, who had their worst season in nearly a decade in 2018, were hoping to rebound back into the championship mix where they have been for so long, but the loss of Moore for at least a season is a major on-court setback. Still, they appear to be aggressively seeking out veterans who can help them win now despite Moore’s absence.

Sylvia Fowles remains in the fold, and a lot will be expected of her in the paint. She will have to carry a heavy load if the Lynx are to have a successful season without Moore.

They also have the sixth pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, along with three second rounders. I would anticipate some movement with those picks come draft time, in an attempt to add more veteran talent.

We will badly miss watching Maya Moore on the court this season, but of course wish her all the best in her endeavors.