The Seattle Storm are making a playoff push. On Tuesday, the team announced the acquisition of 2025 WNBA All-Star guard Brittney Sykes in a trade with the Washington Mystics. The trade sends veteran forward Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke, and a 2026 first-round draft pick to Washington.
The move brings one of the WNBA’s most dynamic two-way guards to Seattle, adding scoring punch and defensive tenacity to a team currently sitting sixth in the standings.
Sykes Brings Versatility and Defensive Edge
Sykes, a nine-year veteran, is enjoying a career-best season, averaging 15.4 points, 4.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Known for her relentless perimeter defense, Sykes is a four-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection—twice earning First Team honors (2021, 2023) and twice making the Second Team (2020, 2022).
After being selected seventh overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2017 draft, Sykes made an immediate impact, earning All-Rookie Team honors. She twice led the league in steals and has established herself as a slasher and disruptive on-ball defender.
This season marks her first All-Star appearance, selected as a replacement for Caitlin Clark, and she became the first WNBA All-Star in Syracuse University’s history.
The Storm expect Sykes to be a difference-maker on both ends of the floor as they aim to strengthen their playoff positioning.
Mystics Add Clark, Cooke, and Future Draft Capital
Washington, in return, acquires three-time WNBA Champion Alysha Clark, former No. 10 overall pick Zia Cooke, and one of Seattle’s 2026 first-round picks.
Clark, a Storm franchise icon, played 300 games in Seattle across two stints (2012-2020, 2025), ranking fifth in games played in team history. She averaged 3.5 points in 18 minutes per game this season and is renowned for her defensive toughness, leadership, and clutch shooting. Clark won titles with Seattle in 2018 and 2020 and added another with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023.
Cooke, a 2023 first-round pick, offers scoring upside and outside shooting, having hit a career-best 38.2% from three this season. After stints with the Sparks and international clubs, Cooke averaged over 10 minutes per game with Seattle before being included in this deal. She was part of South Carolina’s 2022 national championship team and earned Third-Team All-American honors in 2023.
The Mystics now hold three first-round selections in the 2026 draft, providing valuable assets as the team rebuilds its roster for the future.
Playoff Push vs. Rebuild
For Seattle, the addition of Sykes directly addresses needs on both ends of the court. The Storm’s offensive rating ranked ninth in the WNBA prior to the trade, and Sykes’ ability to score and create for teammates will provide another weapon in the offense.
Defensively, she offers elite perimeter coverage, giving the Storm a key upgrade as the postseason approaches. For Washington, the trade signals a long-term approach.
The Mystics acquire a respected veteran in Clark, a young guard in Cooke who could blossom with increased playing time, and another first-round pick for what’s shaping up to be a critical 2026 draft.
Update 3:25 p.m. ET: The Washington Mystics announced they waived Cooke and Sika Koné.
