Connecticut Mystics' Aaliyah Edwards transferred to Connecticut Sun prior to the WNBA's Trade Deadline
The WNBA landscape has been shaken up with the trade of Aaliyah Edwards from the Washington Mystics to the Connecticut Sun. This move has significant implications for both teams, as they look to shape their future prospects.
Impact on the Washington Mystics
The Mystics receive guard Jacy Sheldon, a versatile player who brings both scoring and defensive prowess to the team [1][3]. This addition helps balance their roster, providing a boost in areas where they've been struggling. The trade also includes a deal to swap late first-round picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft, giving the Mystics more flexibility in future draft decisions [1][3].
With the departure of Brittney Sykes, this trade could allow the Mystics to further develop their young players like Kiki Iriafen or focus on veteran players like Shakira Austin, potentially enhancing team cohesion [1]. The Washington Mystics, currently ranked 10th in the league in 3-point shooting percentage (32.2 %), may see an improvement with Jacy Sheldon's 3-point shooting and ability to score at all three levels [6].
Impact on the Connecticut Sun
The Sun, on the other hand, acquire Aaliyah Edwards, a former UConn star, who brings a high level of skill and potential to the team [1][2]. Edwards has quickly integrated into the Sun's system, praised for her basketball intelligence and ability to fit into any system [4]. With a strong trio of rookies including Aneesah Morrow and others, the Sun now has a solid foundation to build upon, potentially leading to future championship aspirations [4].
The Sun's frontcourt is anchored by Tina Charles and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, and the addition of Edwards provides an opportunity for her to grow and learn from these experienced players [7].
Additional Trades
In related news, the Seattle Storm traded Brittney Sykes to the Washington Mystics, in a deal that also involved Zia Cooke, Alysha Clark, Seattle's first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, and Sykes [5]. Zia Cooke was later waived by the Seattle Storm.
Rebuilding Phase for the Washington Mystics
With the departure of key players and the addition of young talent, it appears that the Washington Mystics are in a rebuilding phase. However, the team still boasts bright spots like Shakira Austin, who dominates on both ends of the court and scores aggressively in the paint [8].
Draft History
Jacy Sheldon was selected fifth overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft out of Ohio State, while Aaliyah Edwards was selected sixth overall in the same draft [9]. The Washington Mystics hold six future picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft, which could be crucial in their rebuilding process.
In the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Mystics selected Sonia Citron third overall, Kiki Iriafen fourth overall, and Georgia Amoore sixth overall. Unfortunately, Georgia Amoore is out for the season with a torn ACL [10].
As the WNBA season unfolds, these trades and draft picks will undoubtedly shape the future of both the Washington Mystics and the Connecticut Sun.
The Mystics' acquisition of Jacy Sheldon, a versatile player known for her scoring and defensive abilities [3], could help balance their roster and improve their 3-point shooting percentage [6], currently standing at 32.2 %.
The Sun's deal for Aaliyah Edwards, a former UConn star, adds a high-skilled player to their team, who is praised for her basketball intelligence and adaptability [4]. Edwards will have the opportunity to learn from experienced players like Tina Charles and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, potentially strengthening the Sun's frontcourt [7].
The Seattle Storm also made a trade, sending Brittney Sykes to the Washington Mystics, a move that could mark a rebuilding phase for the Mystics, as they part ways with key players and bring in young talent [8].
The Washington Mystics' future prospects depend on their six picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft, including those acquired through trades, which could play a significant role in their rebuilding process [9,10].
