Mystics and Storm Make Strategic Exchange
The Washington Mystics have finalized a trade involving star guard Brittney Sykes, who joins the Seattle Storm. In return, the Mystics receive Alysha Clark and Seattle’s first-round pick for the 2026 draft.
The transaction also included Zia Cooke, who was transferred from the Storm to the Mystics, but was later released. Sika Kone, a Mystics player, was also released to complete the deal.
Following this move, the Storm retain two first-round draft picks for 2026, having previously acquired one from Los Angeles and another from Las Vegas. For their part, the Mystics, in the process of rebuilding, now possess three first-round picks for the same year.
Brittney Sykes is having a standout season in her nine-year WNBA career, averaging 15.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Her arrival at the Storm is expected to boost their offense, which currently ranks ninth in efficiency, and strengthen their defense, one of the best in the league.
Sykes, a four-time All-Defensive team honoree, was selected for her first All-Star this summer, replacing Caitlin Clark on Team Clark due to an injury.
Alysha Clark, who signed with the Storm in free agency, where she won championships in 2018 and 2020, will reunite with the Washington team, where she played in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. She is expected to have a more important role.
The Mystics, with a 13-15 record, and having lost five of their last seven games, are in a position that would lead them to the lottery if the season ended today.
Seattle, for its part, is in sixth place in the standings with a record of 16-13.
The deadline for trades in the league is Thursday.
