The Washington Mystics made another trade ahead of Monday’s WNBA draft. The rebuilding franchise sent guard Karlie Samuelson to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick.
Samuelson started 19 games for Washington during her lone season with the Mystics. The Stanford product averaged 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 29 total games.
Monday’s trade was the latest in an active offseason for the Mystics. The front office, now led by first-year general manager Jamila Wideman, traded guard Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky earlier this year. The Mystics added the No. 3 pick in Monday’s WNBA draft in the exchange, which they used to pick Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron.
With Samuelson and Atkins gone, Washington will likely rely on rookies to anchor a depleted backcourt. The Mystics have three first-round picks, including the No. 3 overall selection, to help replenish the roster.
The Mystics open the 2025 season on May 16 against the Atlanta Dream.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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