Minnesota Lynx final WNBA mock draft prediction for Monday night

The 2026 WNBA Draft is just a few hours away and soon we'll know who will follow in the footsteps of Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston as the latest No. 1 overall pick. Once again the Dallas Wings have the top selection, but there's plenty of intrigue and talent throughout the prospect pool.

Here's how USA TODAY expects the first round to play out for the Minnesota Lynx as the league welcomes its next generation of talent.

Find the full USA TODAY WNBA mock draft here .

Our draft order factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Minnesota Lynx 2026 WNBA Draft prediction: Lauren Betts, C

Hall's Analysis:

After losing key pieces in free agency like Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, Minnesota would be wise to draft Betts. She provides an interior presence, has no problem cleaning up the board or kicking it out to an open teammate for an easy score. The Bruins center is a good defender, but Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve could potentially help Betts become elite.

See USA TODAY's full WNBA mock draft here

Lauren Betts player profile

(all stats as of April 9)

• Position: center
• Current Team: UCLA
• 17.1 points per game
• 8.8 rebounds per game
• 3.2 assists per game
• 58.2% field goal percentage
• 0.0% three-point field goal percentage

Minnesota Lynx 2026 draft picks

• No. 2 (via CHI) and No. 45

2026 WNBA Draft order

(order as of April 9)

First Round

1. Dallas Wings

2. Minnesota Lynx (via CHI)

3. Seattle Storm (via LA)

4. Washington Mystics

5. Chicago Sky (via CON)

6. Toronto Tempo

7. Portland Fire

8. Golden State Valkyries

9. Washington Mystics (via SEA)

10. Indiana Fever

11. Washington Mystics (via NY)

12. Connecticut Sun (via PHX)

13. Atlanta Dream

14. Seattle Storm (via LV)

15. Connecticut Sun (via MIN)

Second Round

16. Seattle Storm (via DAL)

17. Portland Fire (via CHI)

18. Connecticut Sun

19. Washington Mystics

20. Los Angeles Sparks

21. Chicago Sky (via POR)

22. Toronto Tempo

23. Golden State Valkyries

24. Los Angeles Sparks (via SEA)

25. Indiana Fever

26. Toronto Tempo (via NY)

27. Phoenix Mercury

28. Atlanta Dream

29. Las Vegas Aces

30. Washington Mystics (via MIN)

Third Round

31. Dallas Wings

32. Chicago Sky

33. Connecticut Sun

34. Washington Mystics

35. Los Angeles Sparks

36. Toronto Tempo

37. Portland Fire

38. Golden State Valkyries

39. Seattle Storm

40. Indiana Fever

41. New York Liberty

42. Phoenix Mercury

43. Atlanta Dream

44. Las Vegas Aces

45. Minnesota Lynx