The Washington Mystics know what time it is, right? The D-Day for WNBA trades. On the very deadline date of the trade, they brought the heat with a big move. The Mystics sent forward Aaliyah Edwards to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for Jacy Sheldon and the right to swap 2026 first-round picks.
With the Mystics in full rebuild mode at 13-16, this trade is their second splash this week, and it’s got camps excited about what’s next for both teams. Washington’s been shaking things up, and with this deal, they’re all about building for the future.
Mystics Trade Aaliyah Edwards To Sun On Deadline
While all of the teams, including themselves, are locked onto making it to the playoffs. But a trade at the last moment came at an extra push for the confirmed berth in the top eight of the league. They can choose to keep their 2026 first-round pick from the Minnesota Lynx or swap it for Connecticut’s pick from the New York Liberty.
It’s a savvy move for a team leaning hard into its young core, and they’re obviously thinking long-term as they chase a brighter 2026. However, the 6-foot-3 forward and UConn star, Edwards, was the Mystics’ No. 6 pick in 2024. She showed serious promise as a rookie while averaging 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds. Although this season her minutes dropped to 13.3 per game, with just 6.0 points and 3.3 boards.
Breaking: The Washington Mystics' Aaliyah Edwards has been traded to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for Jacy Sheldon and the right to swap Washington's 2026 first-round pick (MIN's) for Connecticut's first-round pick (NY's). pic.twitter.com/VBlKEjIpdD
— espnW (@espnW) August 7, 2025
Injuries to her back and wrist, plus a crowded frontcourt with rookie Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin, and vet Stefanie Dolson, made it tough for her to shine. Now, Edwards gets a homecoming with the Sun (5-23), joining fellow UConn alums like Tina Charles.
Sun GM Morgan Tuck is hyped, calling her a “transformational talent” who can help rebuild their squad. On the other hand, Sheldon, the No. 5 pick in 2024, heads to D.C. after a solid stint with the Sun, where she averaged 7.5 points and shot 41.2% from three.
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The 5-foot-10 guard, who started 17 of 28 games, brings sharpshooting and hustle that Mystics GM Jamila Wideman loves. With Georgia Amoore sidelined and Brittney Sykes traded to Seattle earlier this week, Sheldon’s a perfect addition to a backcourt featuring rookie Sonia Citron.
A Win-Win For Mystics And Sun In Aliyah Edwards Trade
Despite coming hours before the official trade deadline, this trade is a smart play for both sides. The Sun, in a rough 5-23 season, got Edwards’ size and potential to pair with Aneesah Morrow and Olivia Nelson-Ododa. And that’s a boost to their frontcourt.
Meanwhile, the Mystics, who rank last in three-pointers made, get Sheldon’s shooting to complement their young stars like Iriafen and Citron. The pick swap’s impact might be small, likely late first-rounders, but it gives Washington flexibility.
Both teams are rebuilding, and this deal sets them up for 2026. Edwards gets a fresh start in Connecticut, while Sheldon could thrive in D.C.’s youth movement.