MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx announced today the re-signing of guard Natisha Hiedeman and the addition of French Olympic team center Marième Badiane. Badiane will be starting her WNBA career with the Lynx. As per team policy, the terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
“Retaining Natisha was a top priority for us during free agency, given her significant impact in our 2024 Finals run. We are thrilled that she believes Minnesota is the best environment for her to grow and excel as a professional,” said Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations. “Marième, following her strong performance at the Paris Olympics, was a highly sought-after international prospect. She will seamlessly fit into the Lynx culture and enhance our on-court play by deepening our post rotation.”
A native of Green Bay, Wis., Hiedeman played in all 40 games for the Lynx last season, averaging 4.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals in 15.2 minutes per game. She also participated in all 12 postseason games, including the WNBA Finals, posting averages of 5.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.7 steals while shooting 45.5% from the field in 14.4 minutes per game. Hiedeman, initially selected by the Lynx in the 2019 WNBA Draft with the 18th overall pick, was traded to Connecticut on draft night, where she played a key role in the Sun’s journey to the 2022 WNBA Finals.
Badiane, standing at 6-3, has been a formidable presence on the French national team and in the EuroLeague. She was instrumental in leading France to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, narrowly losing (67-66) to Reeve, Napheesa Collier, and Team USA in the Gold Medal game. In that match, Badiane recorded 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Throughout the six-game Olympic tournament, she averaged 7.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks for France. Currently playing with Istanbul-based Fenerbahçe, Badiane was part of the club’s FIBA EuroLeague and KBSL (Turkish League) championships last spring, alongside Lynx players Collier and Kayla McBride.
