Since 2022, the Mystics’ recent offseason has finally come to reality. It is a new era, and the rebuild has begun. Where does the team go from here?
It began on October 24, 2024, with new management and a new coach. The Mystics had three first-round picks this past draft, and most would agree those were steals. Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Georgia Amoore.
The Questions began to circulate with the drafting of Kiki Iraifen, and how that would affect Aaliyah Edwards, as they both have similar playing styles. While Aaliyah Edwards was a top-ten pick in 2024.
The issue has been ongoing since her time at UConn; her best ability is availability. Some would agree that former general Mike Thibault missed a golden opportunity to draft Maryland native Angel Reese with the sixth pick.
Fast forward a season, and Kiki Iriafen has been adjusting well in his rookie season. Meanwhile, Edwards, who suffered an injury early in the season, has made some adjustments.
The Mystics, who have surprised many to start the season, now face a dilemma with the frontcourt of Shakira Austin, Aaliyah Edwards, Kiki Iriafen, Stefanie Dolson, and Sika Kone. Who is the odd person out? Then it happened.
On July 1st, a report from ESPN by Kendra Andrews and Alexa Philippou stated the Mystics were working on a trade for Aaliyah Edwards. It is unclear whether Edwards requested a trade, but several teams have expressed interest her. Here is where it gets a bit murky, amidst the report. Many people who use social media, particularly Twitter, began to create disingenuous narratives. Since then, it has been quiet, and Edwards has seen a fair amount of playing time.
Some may argue that the Mystics need to shake things up, but trading Edwards would be the wrong kind of bold. In a season right before most of the league is going to be free agents, in an expansion year? The league could be shut down if no agreement is reached before October 31.
The Mystics are not just rebuilding a roster. They are redefining who they are in a league that’s rapidly evolving. The WNBA is entering a new era—bigger TV deals, expansion on the horizon, and increasing national visibility. In that context, players like Edwards—young, marketable, and full of upside—are not trade chips. They’re foundational assets.
Trading her now would signal a departure from what made the Mystics champions in 2019: patience, development, and smart talent evaluation. That title wasn’t created overnight. It stemmed from investing in players, fostering chemistry, and adhering to a long-term vision. Edwards fits that model perfectly.
The Mystics right now have the core pieces. They need to be strategic, patient, and forward-thinking. If Washington trades her now, it will regret it for years to come.
Closing, I have some questions for those who want the Mystics to trade Aaliyah Edwards.
- Why would you trade a second-year first-round pick, not truly understand the value?
- So, right now, potentially going into 2026, Austin, Iraifen, and Kone would be left? If Edwards were to be traded?
- Who stands out in the 2026 and 2027 draft classes?
- Can a front court with Austin, Edwards, and Iriafen not be the future?
- If Edwards is traded, the Mystics must protect six players before the expansion draft for 2026.
- Shakira Austin
- Sonia Citron
- Kiki Iriafen
- Georgia Amoore
These four stand out the most; I would protect them.
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