The Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics finalized a trade on Tuesday ahead of the 2025 WNBA trade deadline, with All-Star guard Brittney Sykes heading to Seattle. In return, the Mystics received Alysha Clark, Zia Cooke, and the Storm’s 2026 first-round draft pick. The Mystics also waived Cooke and reserve forward Sika Koné to complete the deal.

Sykes had been averaging 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game this season, earning an All-Star spot as an injury replacement for Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. She was on track for career highs in scoring and assists, ranking second in the league in free throw attempts at 6.3 per game.

Storm’s Acquisition of Sykes Reflects Title Ambition Amid Offensive Struggles

Seattle, currently sixth in the standings, clearly signaled their goal to contend for a championship this season by acquiring Sykes. Although the Mystics lose a key player, they gain valuable assets for their rebuilding effort, including a first-round pick and roster pieces, while increasing their chances to fall into the draft lottery.

The trade breaks down with the Storm acquiring Brittney Sykes, while Washington receives Alysha Clark, Zia Cooke, and Seattle’s 2026 first-round selection.

Analyzing Seattle Storm’s Advantages and Questions Following the Trade

The Storm’s offense has stalled since a strong season start, posting a 7-8 record over the last 15 games. Their offensive rating is ranked 10th in the league at 98.9, with a league-low three-point shooting percentage of 29.7%. Sykes, a 30.4% career three-point shooter, made 31.8% of her attempts this season but has struggled to consistently knock down long-range shots — recording multiple made threes only three times in 25 games.

Replacing Erica Wheeler, who shoots 36.4% on 4.4 three-point attempts per game, with Sykes could decrease the Storm’s floor spacing, raising concerns about how effectively Seattle’s offense will flow. The Storm have rarely hit double-digit three-pointers in games, trailing only the last-place Connecticut Sun and the Mystics in that category.

In addition to their outside shooting woes, the Storm rank last in free throw rate and are near the bottom of the league in shots taken within five feet. Sykes’ ability to draw free throws by attacking the basket has the potential to energize the offense, though it is uncertain if there will be enough room for her to operate alongside established scorers like Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, and Wheeler.

While offensive concerns exist, Sykes’ defensive credentials are exceptional. She is a four-time All-Defensive Team selection and has twice ranked in the top three for Defensive Player of the Year voting. Despite being just 5-foot-9, her 6-foot-5 wingspan, explosive athleticism, and high motor allow her to guard multiple positions and compete against bigger players, providing coach Noelle Quinn with numerous lineup options.

The Storm’s defense has been elite over the last 15 games, boasting the second-best defensive rating at 97.7, leading the league in opponent turnover rate, and ranking third in field goal percentage allowed. Adding Sykes to this defensive unit only increases its toughness, potentially creating matchup nightmares for opponents with a starting lineup featuring Diggins, Sykes, Williams, Ogwumike, and Ezi Magbegor.

The Storm are doubling down on their defensive strengths rather than addressing offensive weaknesses directly. This strategy could prove pivotal in closing the gap back toward title contention, though lingering offensive limitations may temper expectations given the squad’s current struggles.

Seattle parted with Alysha Clark, a signing initially viewed as smart but whose production has waned, and Zia Cooke, who saw limited playing time and was unlikely to factor into the playoff rotation. With multiple first-round picks secured for 2026 via prior transactions, including their own pick expected to fall mid-lottery, the Storm paid a manageable price for an impactful perimeter defender.

Washington Mystics Embrace Rebuilding Strategy Fueled by Draft Capital and Young Talent

The Mystics took a patient approach to staffing, delaying key hires for general manager and coach until just before Christmas. Their choices, Jamila Wideman as GM and Sydney Johnson as head coach, have yielded positive early returns in their first collaborative season.

Wideman made a significant move by trading Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky for the No. 3 overall pick, resulting in multiple lottery selections. Washington used these picks to draft promising players Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, and Georgia Amoore. Despite Amoore’s season-ending ACL injury, Iriafen and Citron have contributed strongly, complementing young core players like Shakira Austin to form one of the league’s most exciting youth groups.

The recent deal involving Sykes continues this smart asset accumulation. Although the Mystics started the season well, recent losses have dropped them out of playoff contention, trailing the eighth-place Golden State Valkyries by one game with five defeats in seven matches.

Rather than trying to squeak into the playoffs only to face an early exit, the Mystics appear intent on maximizing their long-term outlook. Trading Sykes increases their likelihood of earning a lottery position while securing an additional 2026 first-round pick. With picks from their own stock, Seattle, and Minnesota (from a previous acquisition), the Mystics enter next year’s draft with three selections in the first round.

Combining a burgeoning core of young players, abundant draft assets, and cap space, the Mystics position themselves for a potentially transformative rebuilding phase focused on sustainable success.

Trade’s Broader Implications for Both Teams and Their Future Prospects

This exchange demonstrates contrasting team strategies within the WNBA at this stage in the season. The Seattle Storm, aiming to compete immediately, have bolstered their defense at the expense of some offensive productivity, gambling that tightening their defense can offset their current shortcomings and rekindle championship hopes.

On the other hand, the Washington Mystics have prioritized the future, intentionally increasing their draft capital and preparing to develop young talent under new leadership. This approach could restructure the franchise over the coming years despite short-term struggles.

The Brittney Sykes WNBA trade impact resonates beyond the two teams, illustrating how franchises balance competing priorities of winning now versus building for later success. The Storm’s defensive jump adds an intense challenge for contenders, while the Mystics’ accumulation of assets suggests a patient but determined growth trajectory.

As the regular season’s final month approaches, Seattle’s gamble on defense will be closely watched to see if it can overcome offensive inefficiencies, and the Mystics will continue focusing on developing their promising roster and preparing for a draft heavy with opportunity.