Mystics trade All-Star Sykes to Storm for package featuring 2026 first-round pick

The Washington Mystics’ leading scorer is headed to Seattle.

The team traded guard Brittney Sykes to the Storm on Tuesday for a package that includes a 2026 first-round pick, forward Alysha Clark and guard Zia Cooke.

Sykes, 31, averaged 15.4 points, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals to earn her first All-Star nod last month. The Syracuse product is a four-time All-Defense selection who led the league in steals in 2021 and 2022.

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

Sykes’ offense has flourished this season with her knack for reaching the foul line by attacking the basket. She ranks second in the league in free throws attempted per game.

Clark and Cooke played rotational roles on the Storm this season. Clark, a three-time WNBA champion who was drafted in 2010, has embraced a mentorship role at this stage of her career. She is averaging 3.5 points in 18 minutes per game as a 38-year-old.

Off the court, Clark started the Storm’s annual toy drive benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital.

“This was a great opportunity to continue building our program and move us closer to our long-term goals,” Wideman said. “Alysha brings veteran leadership that is invaluable as our team continues to develop and grow.”

Cooke was a first-round pick in 2023 who has never averaged more than five points per game in a season.  However, Cooke has shot a career-best 38.2% from behind the 3-point arc. She was the No. 10 pick in the 2023 draft by Los Angeles. She spent two seasons there before coming to Seattle.

The Mystics waived Cooke shortly after confirming the trade.

The Mystics — who held a 13-15 record entering Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Sky — entered the season with low expectations. The franchise brought on a new coach and general manager this offseason and traded Ariel Atkins to Chicago for a first-round pick in this year’s draft.

Washington added another 2026 first-rounder by shipping guard Karlie Samuelson to the Minnesota Lynx in April.

Thanks to electric performances by rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, the Mystics are in the thick of the playoff race as the season winds down. The youngest team in the league entered Tuesday’s action one game behind the Golden State Valkyries for the final playoff spot.

This article is based in part on wire service reports.