New era taking shape for Mystics ahead of WNBA trade deadline

The Aug. 7 WNBA trade deadline is on Thursday, and for the Washington Mystics, it’s clear a new era is taking shape.

After trading All-Defensive guard Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm on Tuesday in exchange for Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke and a 2026 first-round draft pick, the optimism is that the Mystics could be suitable trade partners for any team looking to offload a huge contract attached with draft compensation. 

It all starts with Shakira Austin. When healthy, she’s the franchise cornerstone — strong in the paint, athletic and able to anchor the defense. But now she’s getting help from two rising rookies who are starting to turn heads.

Kiki Iriafen, the rookie out of Stanford, has been a revelation. Her energy is nonstop, she crashes the boards like a vet and her confidence is growing with each game. She’s not just filling minutes — she’s making an impact. Pairing her with Austin in the frontcourt gives the Mystics a gritty, physical presence they can build around.

And then there’s Sonia Citron, who might be one of the smoothest rookies in the league right now. Her basketball IQ, her pace, her ability to make plays without forcing shots — it’s all there. With Sykes gone, expect Citron to take on more responsibility. She’s earned it.

Of course, there are still moves that could happen. Aaliyah Edwards has been generating trade buzz since June, and Washington has a crowded frontcourt. If the team can flip Edwards or any veteran not a part of the long-term plans for future draft capital, it would align perfectly with what they’re building.

The Mystics may not be making a playoff push this year, but don’t sleep on what’s happening in D.C. This team is rebuilding with purpose. And with Austin, Iriafen and Citron leading the way, the future is starting to look bright.