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last mo.

Mystics Deal Brittney Sykes to Storm, Amassing Three 2026 First-Round Picks

Signaling a full rebuild, Washington now holds three 2026 first-round picks, handing Seattle a veteran All-Star scorer for its playoff push.

Image
Jul 10, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes (20) attempts a jump shot over Las Vegas Aces center Megan Gustafson (17) during the fourth quarter at EagleBank Arena.
May 21, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes (20) celebrates after a basket against the Golden State Valkyries in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Jul 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes (20) is introduced prior to the mystics' game against the Golden State Valkyries at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Mystics completed the trade on August 5 by sending All-Star guard Brittney Sykes to Seattle in exchange for veteran Alysha Clark, waived players Zia Cooke and Sika Koné, and a 2026 first-round draft pick.
  • With the addition from Seattle, Washington now controls three selections in the 2026 lottery as it shifts fully into a youth-driven long-term rebuild.
  • Seattle plans to integrate Sykes immediately into its backcourt rotation to boost scoring, defense and playmaking as it pursues a late-season playoff run.
  • Head coach Sydney Johnson announced that rookie Sonia Citron will assume closing roles and primary playmaking duties in Sykes’s absence.
  • Alysha Clark brings three WNBA championships and veteran leadership to guide the Mystics’ emerging core of rookies and young players.