Mystics Move Towards The Future, Trading Both Brittney Sykes & Aaliyah Edwards (8-10-25)

By: Jaden Golding

Headline Photo Credit: WNBA

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Washington Mystics had a busy first week of August on the court and off. General manager Jamila Wideman decided to move on from veteran and first-year All-Star guard Brittney Sykes and 2024 No.6 overall pick forward Aaliyah Edwards in two separate trades.

This move highlights the front office’s desire to build around its younger core, led by this year’s draft picks, in the duo of Sonia Citron and Kiki Irafen.

The first move was sending Sykes to the Seattle Storm in exchange for the Storm’s 2026 first-round draft pick, three-time WNBA champion Alysha Clark, and Zia Cooke. 

For the trade to be completed, Washington waived forward Sika Kone. They also released Cooke. 

Wideman released a press release on the Mystics page stating;

“We’re grateful for Slim’s contributions this season as she played a key role in our growth,” said Wideman. “We’re proud of the individual success she achieved with us, including earning her first All-Star selection. This allows Slim to join a team that is expected to contend for a championship this season.” 

Before the trade deadline’s finish, the Mystics made their final move, trading Edwards to the Connecticut Sun for Jacy Sheldon and the right to a 2026 first-round pick swap. 

Alexa Philippou of ESPN reported the news, which stated: Washington can choose to keep the 2026 first-round pick in its possession—originally owned by the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx—or take Connecticut’s first-rounder that it obtained from the New York Liberty, who are currently second in the standings.

Edwards now has a chance to have a bigger role with a rebuilding Connecticut team and can streamline her development on the court. Due to Washington’s depth at forward, Edwards found herself behind Shakira Austin, Irafen, and, at times, Stefanie Dolson.

Sheldon will help the Mystics tremendously, bringing in a tenacious two-way player who can spark offense with her outside shooting / off-ball movement and pester the opposition on defense with her high energy. 

The 24-year-old guard is averaging 7.5 points, two assists, and a steal while shooting 40-40-90 splits.