A Comprehensive Look at the WNBA Trade Between the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun: Aaliyah Edwards for Jacy Sheldon
The landscape of the WNBA has once again experienced a significant shake-up. A trade announced on Thursday has reshaped the rosters of two Eastern Conference teams and generated considerable buzz across the league. The Washington Mystics, in a move aimed at shoring up their backcourt with shooting and defensive prowess, agreed to trade forward Aaliyah Edwards to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for guard Jacy Sheldon. In addition to this one-for-one player swap, the Mystics secured the potential right to swap first-round picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft. That pick, initially acquired from the Minnesota Lynx in a prior deal, had been part of a chain of transactions that also saw the Connecticut Sun obtain a pick via the New York Liberty.
This trade signifies more than just a logistical reshuffling of talent. It is an emblematic moment for both franchises as they continue refining their identities and building toward long-term success. With both teams chasing playoff relevance and eventually championship aspirations, the acquisition of these young players—each just in their second professional season—reflects differing team philosophies and roster needs.
Background: Draft Profiles and Early WNBA Careers
To fully understand the impact of this trade, it’s important to look back at the 2024 WNBA Draft, where both players’ professional journeys began. In what was considered one of the deepest draft classes in recent memory, Jacy Sheldon was selected fifth overall, just one spot ahead of Aaliyah Edwards, who went sixth.
Jacy Sheldon: The Sharpshooter Guard
Coming out of Ohio State, Sheldon built her collegiate reputation on her perimeter shooting, aggressive perimeter defense, and high basketball IQ. Known for her motor and off-ball movement, Sheldon was praised for being a “coach’s dream”—a player always locked in defensively and unselfish on offense.
During her rookie season with the Connecticut Sun, Sheldon showed flashes of her collegiate brilliance. Although her playing time was somewhat limited as she adjusted to the WNBA’s speed and physicality, she established herself as a competent shooter, capable of spacing the floor and creating opportunities off screens.
As she entered her second season, Sheldon seemed to grow into her role, raising her scoring average to 7.5 points per game, while also contributing 2.0 assists and 1.9 rebounds per contest. Most notably, her three-point shooting percentage stood at an impressive 41.2%, placing her among the league’s most efficient outside threats. Her ability to knock down long-range shots with consistency and confidence became a cornerstone of her value.
Washington Mystics GM Jamila Wideman praised Sheldon’s growth and impact in a press release, stating, “Jacy has built on a solid rookie campaign by establishing herself as a shooter in Year 2 who can read the game on both ends of the court.” Wideman highlighted Sheldon’s versatility and ability to adapt, noting that she adds an important dynamic to Washington’s evolving backcourt.
Aaliyah Edwards: The Rising Frontcourt Force
Meanwhile, Aaliyah Edwards, a standout from UConn, entered the league with expectations of being a two-way presence in the post. Her collegiate career was defined by relentless rebounding, physical defense, and a growing offensive arsenal. Drafted by the Washington Mystics, she was envisioned as a potential anchor in the frontcourt—someone who could provide rim protection and scoring near the basket.
Over her time with Washington, Edwards showed steady improvement, particularly in areas that don’t always show up in the stat sheet. However, her contributions were still measurable: she averaged 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds this season, demonstrating solid efficiency and defensive consistency. As her comfort level increased, so did her on-court impact.
In a statement following the trade, Connecticut Sun GM Morgan Tuck spoke glowingly about Edwards. “Bringing Aaliyah to the Connecticut Sun is more than just a roster move; it’s a statement about where we’re headed as a franchise,” Tuck said. She added, “Aaliyah is a transformational talent with the mindset and drive that aligns with our vision of building a championship culture.”
Why This Trade Makes Sense for Both Teams
Trades in the WNBA are rarely just about stats or raw talent—they often reflect deeper considerations about roster construction, identity, leadership, and system fit. Both Washington and Connecticut are in different stages of their developmental arcs, and this trade seems to align with each team’s broader vision.
For the Washington Mystics: Betting on Shooting and Playmaking
The Mystics have spent the last few seasons trying to find the right balance between veteran leadership and youthful potential. With long-time contributors like Natasha Cloud and Elena Delle Donne no longer at their peak or with the team, Washington has increasingly relied on younger players to carry the load.
By acquiring Jacy Sheldon, the Mystics are signaling a shift toward a more perimeter-oriented offensive strategy. Sheldon’s ability to spread the floor with her shooting will help space the offense and give slashing guards and bigs more room to operate inside. She also brings tenacious on-ball defense—something the Mystics have historically valued.
Her arrival also comes at a time when Washington needs additional scoring from the backcourt. Whether coming off the bench or potentially starting, Sheldon figures to immediately contribute in that department. Moreover, her maturity and high basketball IQ should accelerate her integration into the Mystics’ system.
The added option to swap 2026 first-round picks could also pay dividends. The Minnesota pick acquired in a previous trade could be higher in value than Connecticut’s, depending on how those teams perform next season. This flexibility adds a layer of strategic value to the deal for Washington.
For the Connecticut Sun: Shoring Up the Frontcourt with Physicality and Potential
On the flip side, the Connecticut Sun are a team that has consistently made playoff runs but have often fallen short of capturing a championship. Their core players, such as Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, have shouldered heavy minutes and responsibilities. Adding Aaliyah Edwards gives the Sun a potential long-term building block in the frontcourt who can absorb minutes and provide a different dynamic.
Edwards’ strength, rebounding instincts, and commitment to team defense make her an ideal complement to Connecticut’s existing roster. The team has often lacked size and athleticism off the bench, and Edwards could fill that void immediately. In the long term, she has the potential to be a starter and even an All-Star if she continues on her current trajectory.
Moreover, the Sun’s coaching staff, known for developing post players, could help Edwards refine her offensive game and become more of a consistent scoring threat. Her experience under pressure at UConn, combined with her professional growth in Washington, suggests she is ready to take the next step.
Tuck’s use of the term “transformational talent” wasn’t hyperbole. Edwards’ ceiling is high, and the Sun appear to be betting on her becoming a franchise cornerstone for the next decade.
Early Reactions Around the League
The trade has sparked a variety of reactions from analysts, players, and fans alike. Some see it as a win-win, with both teams addressing glaring roster needs. Others question whether Washington should have parted with Edwards so soon, especially given her upside.
Several WNBA analysts have commented that Sheldon fits well with Washington’s current trajectory—a team that’s rebuilding around quick guards, perimeter shooting, and uptempo offense. Conversely, Edwards gives Connecticut a much-needed physical presence in the paint, especially with the team frequently over-relying on its starters.
Social media reactions were mixed but generally supportive. Fans of both teams expressed excitement about seeing their new players in action and speculated about how lineups and rotations would change. Some pointed out the irony that both players were selected back-to-back in the 2024 Draft and are now essentially being swapped in real-time.
Statistical Comparisons and Player Impact
Though it’s tempting to evaluate a trade based on current-year statistics, a deeper dive provides more meaningful insight. Sheldon’s shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, places her among the league’s elite in that category for second-year players. Her assist numbers, while modest, reflect her role as an off-ball scorer more than a true point guard.
Meanwhile, Edwards’ impact is best viewed through advanced metrics such as defensive rating, rebound percentage, and plus-minus in games where she received extended minutes. These numbers often reveal her value as a “glue” player—someone who doesn’t dominate the ball but affects the game in subtle and important ways.
Their contrasting play styles mean they’ll likely have different kinds of impacts on their new teams. Sheldon may immediately put up numbers in a more prominent scoring role in Washington, while Edwards might become a stabilizing force off the bench or a rotational starter in Connecticut.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
For both Sheldon and Edwards, the trade marks a new chapter filled with opportunity and pressure. They will be expected to contribute immediately and adapt to new systems, teammates, and coaching philosophies. Both have shown they can thrive under pressure—Sheldon in high-stakes NCAA Tournament games, and Edwards through her gritty performances in UConn’s deep postseason runs.
The move also sends a message to both locker rooms: these teams are not standing still. They are tweaking, adjusting, and planning not just for the next game, but for the seasons ahead. In a league where roster flexibility and player development are crucial, this trade could end up being one of the most consequential of the 2025 season.
Only time will tell which team “won” the trade. For now, both fanbases have reason to be optimistic. With Sheldon joining a Washington squad that needs sharpshooting and Edwards adding grit to a Connecticut team pushing for a title, both players seem poised for success.
Conclusion
The trade between the Washington Mystics and the Connecticut Sun, featuring Jacy Sheldon and Aaliyah Edwards, is a testament to how teams in the WNBA continue to evolve and seek out the perfect blend of youth, talent, and fit. These two rising stars—who entered the league with nearly identical draft pedigree—are now set to write the next chapters of their careers in new uniforms.
Whether it’s Sheldon draining threes in the Capital One Arena or Edwards battling for boards at Mohegan Sun Arena, fans can expect to see two determined and talented athletes make the most of their fresh starts. As the WNBA continues to grow in profile and competitiveness, trades like this one show just how calculated, dynamic, and impactful front-office moves can be.
Both the Mystics and Sun made statements—not just with their words, but with their actions—and the league will be watching closely to see how it all unfolds.
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