Opinion: Cheryl Reeve Went Out of Her Way To Avoid Coaching Caitlin Clark

By Craig T. Greenlee

Some may call it nonsense. I call it something worth thinking about.

Let’s stop pretending this was some cute, spontaneous WNBA All-Star Game moment. The “coach trade” between Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier didn’t just happen.

It was orchestrated—on purpose—by one of the most powerful figures in women’s pro basketball: Cheryl Reeve.

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game takes place this Saturday, July 19, in Indianapolis—and all eyes will be on Clark. Not just for how she plays, but for who’s not coaching her.

Here’s some background

Originally, Cheryl Reeve was the designated coach for Clark’s all-stars. But all that changed when Clark and Collier, the other All-Star captain, agreed to swap coaches. 

It’s my belief that Reeve wants no parts of coaching Clark, so she devised a slick and calculated way to bow out.

Most People Will Dismiss This and That’s Fine

I get it—some folks will roll their eyes and call this petty speculation. A reach. Conspiracy theory stuff. A product of my wild imagination.

And sure, I don’t have a smoking gun. No leaked text messages. No behind-the-scenes audio. Just a hunch.

But you know what? 

It fits.

It fits the pattern. Fits the timing. Fits the vibe of a league that’s still trying to figure out how to handle its newest—and most polarizing—star.

For those who are willing to connect the dots, keep reading.

This Was Reeve’s Move—Not Clark’s, Not Collier’s

Reeve is not a novice. She’s a four-time WNBA champion and the head coach of one of the league’s most respected franchises. Nothing she does is accidental.

So when this “fun little trade” went down behind the scenes, it wouldn’t surprise me if Reeve was the one pulling the strings—not the players.

And let’s be honest: she didn’t have to twist Collier’s arm. Collier plays for Reeve in Minnesota. She’s the franchise player for the Lynx and one of the league’s marquee performers.

So, of course Collier went along with it. It’s not a power struggle when both sides are on the same page.

But make no mistake—this wasn’t about strategy or team chemistry. This was personal.

I Watched the Draft, and Something Didn’t Sit Right

When I watched the WNBA All-Star Draft live broadcast, I couldn’t help but wonder—did Cheryl Reeve have a hand in this?

The way it played out felt too clean, too convenient. It didn’t seem like something that just happened off the cuff.

Reeve may not have been in front of the camera, but you don’t have to be on stage to direct the show.

Quite honestly, it’s not such a farfetched idea. And it makes way too much sense, especially when you consider the history… and the obvious disdain Reeve has had for Clark since day one.

The Digs Started Early—And Haven’t Let Up

Go back a year. When Clark first entered the league, Cheryl Reeve wasted no time offering up some not-so-subtle barbs.

Talks about “earning respect.” Reminders that rookies “need to prove themselves.” Snarky press conference soundbites about media hype and “fair treatment.”

Reeve never said Clark’s name. She didn’t have to. Anyone paying attention could read between the lines.

It became a pattern—jabs dressed up as professionalism. And over time, those quiet barbs morphed into a full-blown cold war.

It’s no secret that Reeve never embraced the idea of Clark being the face of the league. She refused to celebrate CC’s talents. Instead, she wanted to humble CC.

And let’s not forget the Olympic snub.

There were whispers—innuendos, really—that Reeve, the head coach of Team USA, may have used her influence to keep Clark off the 2024 Olympic roster.

No one on the 2024 Olympic player selection committee will ever admit that out loud. But behind closed doors, the theory gained traction. Clark’s omission was never just about basketball—it was about power, control, and the league sending a message.

So now, in 2025, when Clark gets voted as an All-Star captain, and Reeve is assigned to coach her team… what happens?

Reeve makes her move.

The Animus Is Real

Some coaches might’ve used this All-Star moment as a reset. A chance to show unity. To bridge the gap between generations.

Not Reeve.

She doesn’t want the optics. Doesn’t want the tension. And she certainly doesn’t want to be seen high-fiving Clark after a big play. Reeve’s track record shows she’s not above letting her personal feelings show.

So, she engineered her own exit.

Not a professional one. Not a classy one. A petty one.

For those who follow women’s pro hoops, this is hardly shocking. After all, this is the WNBA—where grudges are quiet but long, and where respect is earned the hard way… or not at all.

It Fits the League’s Culture

And here’s the kicker: this all makes sense because the WNBA brass seems to sanction drama as its calling card.

Conflict isn’t a glitch—it’s part of the brand. Manufactured storylines. Grudges that never die. Headlines fueled by friction.

So why wouldn’t a pre-planned coach snub be right in line with how this league operates?

In the WNBA, drama doesn’t get buried. It gets booked for primetime.

Bottom Line

Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe this really was just some quirky All-Star moment with no deeper meaning. Maybe Reeve just wanted to coach someone she’s far more comfortable with.

But if you believe that, you haven’t been watching.

This wasn’t basketball politics. This was personal – plain and simple.

And it left the league looking small, petty—and painfully transparent.

What do you think?

Did Cheryl Reeve really pull strings to avoid coaching Caitlin Clark—or is this just fan fiction with a pulse?

👇 Sound off in the comments.

💬 Share this with someone who’s tired of the WNBA pretending there’s nothing to see.