The Washington Mystics made a strategic midseason trade on Thursday, sending forward Aaliyah Edwards to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for guard Jacy Sheldon and a 2026 first-round pick swap. This move aims to strengthen the Mystics’ lineup with more shooting firepower as they pursue a spot in the WNBA playoffs.

Details of the Trade and Player Contributions

Jacy Sheldon, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, joins Washington after being acquired by Connecticut from Dallas earlier this year. Throughout the current season, Sheldon has started 17 of 28 games, producing an average of 7.5 points, 2.0 assists, and shooting an impressive 41.2% from beyond the arc. Her shooting ability is expected to add valuable spacing for the Mystics’ offense.

Aaliyah Edwards, selected just one spot after Sheldon, contributed 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 21 games this season. Now returning to Connecticut, Edwards will play a central role in the Sun’s efforts to rebuild their frontcourt. As the team currently holds the league’s worst record, their focus is shifting toward developing young talent.

Future Assets and Team Building Strategies

Along with acquiring Sheldon, Washington gained a future advantage through a 2026 first-round pick swap. The Mystics will obtain Connecticut’s selection via New York and send out their own pick via Minnesota. This demonstrates Washington’s intent to remain competitive by balancing immediate improvement with the nurturing of emerging players heading into the 2025 season.