Maya has paid her dues. She plays hard all the time. Takes no plays off. Is the consummate teammate on and off the court. You've NEVER heard her name associated with any off court distractions, legal or personal (social) issues.
Players and ownership keep reminding us that it's not personal."it's just business." As we all know, and have known for decades, there's no loyalty in professional sports. When you can no longer perform, when a younger player comes along that demands less money that you do, or when another team wants you more than your current team (current Laker players on the block for Anthony Davis), they will trade or release you, and move on.
The Detroit Lions did the same thing to Barry Sanders. He wanted to move on and play else where to try and win a championship that he knew he would never win there. He gave his heart and soul to that team for 10 years (
1989–
1998). The Lions refused to trade him, so he retired.
I hope the Lynx don't play hardball with Maya. Not only would it be look bad in the media, but to other players that may contemplate coming to the Lynx in the future as well. For whatever reason she wants to leave. She's given them 8 of the best years of her professional life along with 4 championships.