Aaliyah Edwards trade by Mystics brings additional sweet-and-sour feelings for the team.

Sun triumphs over Mystics consecutively following August 7 trade of Aaliyah Edwards

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2025 September 5 . 11:03 AM

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Aaliyah Edwards trade's sweetness for Mystics is tainted with increased bitterness

Aaliyah Edwards trade by Mystics brings additional sweet-and-sour feelings for the team.

Washington Mystics Shake Up Roster Amidst Playoff Push

The Washington Mystics, in search of a playoff spot, have made several moves since the WNBA Trade Deadline on August 7th. One of the most notable trades involved sending Aaliyah Edwards to the Connecticut Sun, in exchange for Jacy Sheldon, a 2026 first-round pick, and a pick swap.

Edwards, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 draft, averaged 12.8 points on 49.4 percent shooting with 8.6 rebounds over 26.8 minutes for the Mystics. In her two games with the Sun, she scored a combined 18 points (7-10 FG) with nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block over 32 minutes.

Jacy Sheldon, the second-year guard acquired from the Washington Mystics, sat out both games due to an ankle injury. Sheldon was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 draft and averaged 6.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game before the trade.

The Mystics have also been without Georgia Amoore, the No. 6 overall pick, who is out for the season with an ACL injury. Aneesah Morrow, the No. 7 overall pick by the Connecticut Sun, has struggled so far, scoring just eight combined points (4-16 FG) over the two games.

In the absence of Amoore and Sykes, who was traded to another team, other players have stepped up. Kiki Iriafen, the No. 4 overall pick, has been consistent, averaging 12.8 points on 49.4 percent shooting with 8.6 rebounds. Iriafen leads all rookies with 13 double-doubles.

Sonia Citron has also seen an increase in production since Sykes' departure, averaging 18.9 points, a 4.1 point increase compared to before the trade. Emily Engstler, Lucy Olsen, and Alysha Clark have also been getting consistent minutes for the Mystics since the trade deadline.

The trades and injuries have had an impact on the Mystics' record. Since the Aug. 7 WNBA Trade Deadline, the Mystics are 3-4, going from a record of 13-16 before the deadline. Despite the struggles, the Mystics are still in contention for a playoff spot, currently one game behind the Seattle Storm for the eighth seed, which is the final playoff spot.

Head coach Sydney Johnson has stated that he hasn't fully figured out the new rotation yet. "We're still trying to find our rhythm," Johnson said. "We've had a lot of changes, but I'm confident in the group we have."

Shakira Austin shared her feelings after Tuesday's loss, expressing that it's hard to see Aaliyah Edwards play for the other team but is confident she'll be successful with the Sun. "She's a great player, and I'm excited to see her do well," Austin said. "But right now, we're focused on what we can control."

In other news, Madison Scott was signed to a second seven-day contract by the Mystics. The Mystics will look to build on their recent performances and continue their playoff push in the coming weeks.