The Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics have swapped two 2024 first-round players in the latest move ahead of the 2025 WNBA deadline.
The Sun acquired forward Aaliyah Edwards from the Mystics in exchange for guard Jacy Sheldon and the right to swap 2026 first-round draft picks.
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The move sends Edwards, a player who had fallen out of regular rotation with Washington, to a rebuilding Sun team and Sheldon to a franchise with a lot of young players at their disposal.
Neither team is positioned to make the playoffs right now, but both teams clearly valued what they received in the deal as parts of long-term franchise planning. Let’s break down how each team fared in the deal.
Trade details
The Sun receive: F Aaliyah Edwards
The Mystics receive: G Jacy Sheldon, the rights to swap their 2026 first rounder (originally belonging to the Lynx) for the Sun’s first rounder (originally belonging to the Liberty)
Sun grade
Jun 6, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) reacts after her three point basket against the Atlanta Dream in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Sun unquestionably won this trade. Edwards flashed real potential during her first season with the Mystics, averaging 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds during her rookie campaign. Her numbers are down in 2025, but that’s partly because the new Washington coaching staff didn’t always prioritize her strengths in the game plan. If the Mystics really couldn’t figure out how to tap into Edwards’ potential, perhaps the Sun will give her more room to grow. Edwards can return to Connecticut, where she played her college ball, and forge a more long-term role with a franchise needing all the talent it can get. Sheldon did solid work for the Sun, but Edwards has a higher ceiling.
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Grade: A
Mystics grade
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 22: Sonia Citron #22 of the Washington Mystics celebrates with Kiki Iriafen #44 after scoring the game-winning three-point shot in overtime against the Dallas Wings at Carefirst Arena on June 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
If the Mystics couldn’t figure out what to do with Edwards, trading her was always the best option. Sheldon will help Washington at guard after the franchise traded away Brittney Sykes earlier in the week, and she can run the point until 2025 rookie guard Georgia Amoore returns next year from injury. At that point, Sheldon will perhaps slide into a valuable bench role for Washington and keep the franchise’s focus on young talent for the future. It still feels a little strange that the Mystics gave up on Edwards so quickly, but Sheldon is a solid consolation on a rookie contract.
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Grade: B
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Aaliyah Edwards-Jacy Sheldon trade grades: Who won the Sun-Mystics deal?
