Free agency moves are not only shaping new rosters but also giving players a legitimate chance to compete for the championship. But there are still questions over players’ decisions regarding their choices, as despite reaching the WNBA finals, the Phoenix Mercury will lose their core player in the FA. The Washington Mystics might as well lose their key player, Shakira Austin, as a former champion side is looking to make an offer.
Ahead of the free agency, Austin expressed nothing but hope, and the new team is looking to provide her with that ‘hope’.

Former Champions Intend To Sign Shakira Austin
The Washington Mystics surprisingly entered the rebuilding mode, trading their only veteran player late in the 2025 season, and put faith in young stars. While they missed the playoffs, Kiki Iriafen, Austin, and Sonia Citron shone for them.
Now, as per the report, the Dallas Wings are interested in the versatile forward, who shone in the league last season and took her game to the next level in the recent Unrivaled season.
Wings have expressed interest in Shakira Austin, per @robertawbb.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) April 10, 2026
Interestingly, earlier in 2026, Austin hinted at what the Washington Mystics need from their roster moving forward, but now the star could unearth her full potential playing alongside a highly impactful playmaker and scorer in Paige Bueckers.
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While it’s hard to say that the Wings would win a title with the 26-year-old star’s addition, the side would look to maximize her influence while she is still at the peak of her career.
Shakira Austin To Make Immediate Impact On Wings’ Credentials
Former third overall pick in the WNBA draft has a high ceiling, showing her ability to impact the game as a modern “point-forward”. The 6-foot-5 star provides the elite interior presence the wings lacked in the 2025 season, and her exceptional mobility allows her to switch onto guards with equal efficiency. This defensive versatility is critical for a Dallas team that often plays at a high pace and needs a reliable backstop to erase mistakes in transition.
Offensively, Austin is far more than a traditional post player; she can handle the ball and score off the dribble. This skill set would create a terrifying pick-and-roll partnership with Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers, forcing defenders to choose between stopping a dynamic scorer or a mobile big who can finish with an euro-step or a mid-range jumper.
SHAKIRA AUSTIN TONIGHT 🔥
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) June 21, 2025
• 28 POINTS
• 10 REBOUNDS
• 3 ASSISTS
• 3 BLOCKS
• 3 STEALS
• 13/17 FG
pic.twitter.com/NxmgWB16jQ
Her presence would also alleviate pressure on younger stars like Paige Bueckers, allowing Dallas to field a versatile, high-IQ lineup capable of matching up with the league’s elite superteams. If she remains healthy, Austin provides the two-way interior dominance necessary to turn Dallas from a playoff participant into a champion.
The side won three titles in three finals appearances when the franchise was operating from Detroit as Detroit Shock, and would look to bring back the glory days with impactful additions around PB.







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