The Aaliyah Edwards era is over for the Washington Mystics. They agreed to trade the 2024 first-round pick to the Connecticut Sun on Thursday in exchange for guard Jacy Sheldon.
The Mystics also gained the option to swap first-rounders with the Sun ahead of next year’s WNBA draft. The pick was originally acquired by the Mystics from the Minnesota Lynx in a previous trade for a New York Liberty pick acquired by Connecticut in another previous trade.
“We are excited to welcome Jacy to the Mystics and think her skill set, energy and team-first approach will be a great fit for us,” Mystics general manager Jamila Wideman said. “She is a competitor and leads through the example of her work ethic.”
Sheldon was drafted fifth overall by the Dallas Wings last year — one pick before Edwards. Dallas traded Sheldon this offseason to Connecticut, where she averaged 7.5 points in 17 starts.
“She has built on her solid rookie campaign and demonstrated an ability to shoot the ball and read the game on both ends of the court,” Wideman said.
Edwards was quickly boxed out of the Mystics lineup by electric rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. After starting in half of her 34 appearances last season, the UConn product was relegated to the bench this year. She averaged six points per game with just 3.3 rebounds.
“We appreciate everything that Aaliyah brought to our organization,” Wideman said. “She consistently showed her professionalism and toughness.”
The Mystics stand 13-16, one game behind the Golden State Valkyries for the eighth and final playoff spot.
Washington is rebuilding in the first year under Wideman and coach Sydney Johnson. The team traded its leading scorer, All-Star Brittney Sykes, to the Seattle Storm in exchange for a first-round pick earlier this week.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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