The Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics exchanged players in the first round of the 2024 draft, marking a significant move ahead of the 2025 WNBA trading deadline. The Sun acquired forward Aaliyah Edwards from the Mystics in return for the right to trade guard Jacee Sheldon and a 2026 first-round draft pick originally belonging to the Lynx.
Edwards, who had slipped out of a regular rotation with Washington, joins the Sun where she has the potential to flourish. Sheldon, meanwhile, heads to the Mystics, a team focusing on rebuilding and developing young talent. Both clubs are currently outside playoff contention but clearly view this trade as a strategic step for their long-term plans.
Trade specifics:
– The Sun receive: Forward Aaliyah Edwards
– The Mystics receive: Guard Jacee Sheldon and the right to trade their 2026 first-round pick (initially owned by the Lynx)
Sun’s evaluation:
The Sun come out ahead in this deal, as Edwards showed promise in her rookie season with averages of 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds. Though her playing time diminished in Washington due to coaching changes, the Sun are likely to provide the environment she needs to progress. Returning to Connecticut, where she played college basketball, should help Edwards secure a more significant, lasting role. While Sheldon performed well for the Sun, Edwards has greater upside.
Grade: A
Mystics’ evaluation:
For the Mystics, trading Edwards made sense given their uncertainty about how to maximize her talent. Sheldon is expected to manage the point guard duties until the 2025 rookie, Georgia Amoore, returns from injury. Following that, Sheldon is likely to serve as a valuable bench player while the franchise continues focusing on younger prospects. Although it seems surprising that the Mystics moved on from Edwards so quickly, Sheldon’s rookie contract offers solid value.
Grade: B
Fan Take:
This trade highlights how WNBA teams are strategically managing their rosters with an eye on future growth rather than immediate gains. For fans, it signals an exciting period of development, as promising young players like Edwards and Sheldon could soon become key contributors to their teams and the league’s rising competitiveness.
