Monica Wright

The Lynx have to be favored to make it two WNBA titles in a row -- but Indiana has championship fever

As most have predicted since before the season even began, the Minnesota Lynx are back in the WNBA Finals, bringing with them the best record in the league and poised to defend their 2011 title. If they succeed, they will be the first team to accomplish that feat since the Los Angeles Sparks took home back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002.

Who Gets the Better of the Sun-Lynx Homecoming Deal?

Connecticut finally made official today the speculation that has been circulating for the past week: The Sun will send Lindsay Whalen and their No. 2 pick in the 2010 draft to Minnesota in a deal that brings former UConn star Rene Montgomery to Connecticut. Also part of the package was Minnesota's No. 1 WNBA draft pick in 2010, which most believe the Sun will use to grab Husky center Tina Charles.

to So Lindsays coming home right where many Minnesota fans thought she should have been all along.

Of course, shell be 28 when the season starts, and shes been worn down more than a little by the 12-month-a-year grind of the womens basketball pro, but shes still a premier player. Shes also a perfect fit for a young team that has scorers everywhere but has never quite reached its potential.

If Whalen ignites the Lynx for the next few summers, Tuesdays trade for Renee Montgomery (plus the swap of the top two draft picks) will be counted a success even if Montgomery takes full advantage of being four-and-a-half years younger and plays for the Sun long after Whalen is happily retired.