Mystics trade Edwards to Sun for Sheldon, swap draft rights
The Washington Mystics traded forward Aaliyah Edwards to the Connecticut Sun for guard Jacy Sheldon and a 2026 first-round swap right, the teams announced Thursday.
Washington now has the option to swap the Minnesota Lynx's 2026 first-rounder for the New York Liberty's first-round pick in the same draft.
"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 in a statement.
"She is a competitor and leads through the example of her work ethic. 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."
Washington drafted Edwards sixth overall a year ago. The UConn product showed promise during her rookie campaign, averaging 7.6 points and 5.6 boards across 34 appearances.
However, Edwards was sidelined earlier this season with a back injury and fell behind Shakira Austin and Kiki Iriafen in the Mystics' crowded post rotation.
"Bringing Aaliyah to the Connecticut Sun is more than just a roster move; it's a statement about where we're headed as a franchise," Sun general manager Morgan Tuck said in a statement. "Aaliyah is a transformational talent with the mindset and drive that aligns with our vision of building a championship culture."
Sheldon gives the Mystics another ball-handler after they traded away All-Star guard Brittney Sykes on Tuesday. Sheldon, an Ohio State product, averaged 7.5 points over 28 appearances this season and ranks 10th in the WNBA with a 41.2% clip from deep.
Washington's outside shooting has been a glaring weakness; the team is last in the league with 5.3 threes per contest.