With two rookie All-Stars and a collection of enticing talents littered across the roster, the Mystics appear to be on the up-and-up. That doesn't mean they're not committed to their rebuild, however.
Washington was the biggest mover and shaker during the 2025 WNBA trade deadline, parting ways with two steady rotational pieces — All-Star guard Brittany Sykes and 2024 first-round pick Aaliyah Edwards.
Sykes landed with the Storm, joining a roster teeming with defensive versatility between Ezi Magbegor, Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams. Given Sykes' defensive chops — she's a four-time All-Defensive team selection — she should fit in nicely in the Emerald City.
Meanwhile, Edwards joined the Sun, a struggling roster searching for long-term pieces. The UConn alum showed flashes during her maiden season in the league. Perhaps she can find her form on a far less established roster.
Ultimately, the 2025 WNBA trade deadline didn't bring about a ton of changes. But for contenders like Seattle or Minnesota — who acquired DiJonai Carrington from the Wings — it offered an opportunity to fortify well-rounded rosters ahead of what figures to be a lengthy playoff run.
Rebuilding sides like the Washington and Dallas were merely the benefactors of such a push, able to snap up some draft capital and young talent in the process.
The Sporting News tracked live updates throughout the WNBA's trade deadline. Below is a rundown of all the biggest moves that took place before Thursday's 3:00 p.m. ET deadline.
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WNBA trade deadline tracker 2025: Live news, updates, and rumors
Sun get Aaliyah Edwards from Mystics for Jacy Sheldon
Date: Aug. 7
Source: Annie Costabile
Washington is sending Edwards to Connecticut for Sheldon in a deal that also includes a 2026 pick swap. The 23-year-old Edwards is currently in her second WNBA season and averaging 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 21 games, all coming off the bench. Sheldon, meanwhile, is also in her second season but will now be on her third team in three years while averaging 7.5 points, 2.0 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game this year.
Storm acquire All-Star guard Brittany Sykes from Mystics
Date: Aug. 5
Source: Alexa Phillippou
The Storm added other their defensive versatility on Tuesday, acquiring Mystics star Brittany Sykes in exchange for Zia Cooke, Alysha Clark, and a 2026 first-round pick. Sykes, an All-Star, averaged 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 25 games with Washington this year. The 31-year-old is a four-time All-Defensive selection who has garnered Defensive Player of the Year votes in three seasons.
Lynx land DiJonai Carrington in trade with Wings
Date: Aug. 3
Source: ESPN
The Wings dealt DiJonai Carrington, the reigning Most Improved Player of the Year, to the league-leading Lynx in exchange for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second round pick. Carrington averaged 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 20 games with Dallas. Miller was the No. 2 overall pick in 2023.
WNBA trades by team
Atlanta Dream
Chicago Sky
Connecticut Sun
- Aaliyah Edwards
Dallas Wings
- Diamond Miller
- Karlie Samuelson (waived)
Golden State Valkyries
Indiana Fever
Las Vegas Aces
Los Angeles Sparks
Minnesota Lynx
- DiJonai Carrington
New York Liberty
Phoenix Mercury
Seattle Storm
- Brittany Sykes
Washington Mystics
- Zia Cooke (waived)
- Alysha Clark
- Jacy Sheldon