Mystics Make Trade: Aaliyah Edwards to Connecticut Sun
The Washington Mystics have finalized a trade that sends Aaliyah Edwards to the Connecticut Sun. In return, the Mystics will receive Jacy Sheldon and the right to a first-round pick swap in 2026, the teams announced this Thursday. Washington has the option to keep its 2026 first-round pick, originally owned by the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx, or take Connecticut’s first-round pick, obtained from the New York Liberty, currently second in the standings. In an effort to rebuild their team, the Mystics have been active before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline. Previously, they had traded Brittney Sykes for Alysha Clark and Seattle’s first-round pick in 2026. Edwards, who played at the University of UConn, was selected sixth overall by the Mystics in 2024. The 6-foot-3 forward averaged 7.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game in Washington.Edwards will become the 19th UConn player to join the Sun since the franchise moved to Connecticut in 2003. Her minutes on the court decreased this summer due to back and wrist injuries, after having had a more important role with the Mystics last year. Sources close to the team indicated that Edwards had been the subject of trade talks for much of the season. Washington’s attacking zone also features young stars like Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin, as well as veteran Stefanie Dolson. Sheldon was selected fifth overall by the Dallas Wings in 2024 before being traded to the Sun this offseason. The 5-foot-10 guard has averaged 6.3 points and 2.3 assists per game in her career. Sources indicated that, although Sheldon was happy off the court in Connecticut, she was looking for an opportunity to have a more relevant role within the game.“Bringing Aaliyah to the Connecticut Sun is more than just a roster move; it’s a statement about where we are headed as a franchise,” Sun general manager Morgan Tuck said in a statement. “Aaliyah is a transformative talent with the mindset and drive that aligns with our vision of building a championship culture. What truly sets her apart is the way she leads, connects, and competes. Aaliyah is the type of person and player who can help redefine the future of this organization, and we are ready to build that future together.”
Morgan Tuck, General Manager of the Connecticut Sun
“We are excited to welcome Jacy to the Mystics and believe that her skillset, energy, and focus on the team will be a great fit for us,” stated Mystics General Manager Jamila Wideman. “She is a competitor and leads by example with her work ethic. She has built upon her solid rookie campaign and has demonstrated her ability to shoot the ball and read the game on both ends of the court.”
Jamila Wideman, Mystics General Manager
