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6h ago

Mystics Trade Brittney Sykes to Storm, Bolstering Rebuild With Clark and Draft Picks

The move primes Seattle for a playoff run by giving Washington a veteran mentor plus unparalleled draft assets.

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
Jun 20, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Washington Mystics forward Shakira Austin (0) dribbles past Atlanta Dream forward Brionna Jones (24) during the first half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Washington Mystics sent All-Star guard Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm in exchange for forward Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke and a 2026 first-round pick, then waived Cooke and forward Sika Koné to open roster spots.
  • With that pick added to two existing selections, Washington now holds three first-round choices in the 2026 WNBA draft as it shifts fully into rebuild mode under GM Jamila Wideman.
  • Seattle boosts its backcourt defense and playmaking but remains 10th in offensive rating and has shot a league-worst 30% from three-point range over its last 16 games.
  • Alysha Clark returns to Washington with three WNBA titles, a Sixth Player of the Year award and two All-Defensive selections to mentor the Mystics’ young core.
  • The Las Vegas Aces reportedly pursued Sykes before the deadline but were unable to land her due to limited draft capital, leaving them on the outside of major deadline moves.