The Washington Mystics have sent All-Star guard Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm, a move confirmed by ESPN reporter Alexa Philippou. In return, the Storm are trading veteran forward Alysha Clark along with a 2026 first-round draft pick to the Mystics.

How the Trade Impacts Both Teams’ Prospects

The addition of Brittney Sykes is expected to significantly improve Seattle’s playoff chances. Entering Tuesday’s game with a 16–13 record, the Storm gain a versatile 31-year-old guard who is delivering one of her best seasons yet. Sykes, recognized for her defense with four All-Defensive team selections, is currently averaging 15.4 points and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 37.9% from the floor.

This season’s scoring average represents the second-highest in Sykes’s nine-year career, making her a critical asset for Seattle’s ambitions to compete deep into the postseason. Meanwhile, Alysha Clark brings experience to Washington as a veteran forward, and the first-round pick adds future potential for the Mystics to rebuild or strengthen their roster.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for the WNBA Playoff Picture

Seattle’s acquisition of Brittney Sykes highlights the team’s commitment to contend this season, bolstering both their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. Meanwhile, the Mystics gain valuable veteran leadership and a promising draft asset, which may influence their strategy moving forward. As the regular season progresses, this trade stands as a pivotal moment that could shift the balance in the race for playoff positioning across the league.