MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx announced today that they have re-signed guard Natisha Hiedeman and signed center Marième Badiane from the French Olympic team. Badiane is set to start her WNBA journey with the Lynx. According to team policy, the details of the agreements were not revealed.
“Natisha’s comeback to the Lynx was a major focus for us during free agency since she demonstrated to be a key element in our 2024 Finals journey.” “We are excited that she thinks Minnesota is the perfect place to flourish and achieve her highest potential as a professional,” said Minnesota Lynx Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve. “Marième became a highly sought-after international talent after her impressive performance at the Paris Olympics.” She will be an excellent match for the Lynx culture and gameplay to enhance our frontcourt depth.
Hiedeman, hailing from Green Bay, Wis., participated 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 each game. Hiedeman participated in all 12 playoff matches, encompassing all five contests of the WNBA Finals, recording averages of 5.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.7 steals while hitting 45.5 percent from the floor in 14.4 minutes each game.
The Lynx originally picked her in the 2019 WNBA Draft as the 18th overall choice, but the Marquette University alum was traded to Connecticut on draft night, contributing to the Sun’s journey to the 2022 WNBA Finals.
Badiane, a 6-3 center, has made a significant impact on the French national team and in the EuroLeague. She played a key role in guiding 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 match. In that game, Badiane recorded 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Throughout the six-match Olympic competition, Badiane recorded an average of 7.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks representing France.
Badiane, who hails from Brest, France, is presently a member of Istanbul’s Fenerbahçe and participated in the club’s FIBA EuroLeague and KBSL (Turkish League) titles last spring, sharing the experience with Lynx players Collier and Kayla McBride.
