Are the Washington Mystics headed towards a rebuild or are they a piece away from being a dark horse contender? After missing the playoffs last year and finishing near the bottom of the league standings, Washington now has to make some crucial decisions.
Here’s a look at where the Mystics stand entering free agency, as well as the two big questions the team must consider as they navigate the free agency period:
Facts and figures*
Players under contract (contract status; 2025 salary)
- Ariel Atkins (protected veteran; $200,000)
- Brittney Sykes (protected veteran; $195,000)
- Stefanie Dolson (protected veteran; $170,000)
- Karlie Samuelson (protected veteran; $118,450)
- Shakira Austin (protected rookie; $91,981)
- Aaliyah Edwards (unprotected; $74,909)
- Sika Koné (unprotected; $66,710)
- Jade Melbourne (unprotected; $66,710)
Free agents (type; 2024 salary)
- Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (unrestricted; $95,425)
- Sug Sutton (contract expired; $64,154)
- Emily Engstler (contract expired; $64,154)
- Elena Delle Donne (unrestricted)
Total salary of free agents: $224,733
Total team salary: $983,760
Cap space: $523,340
Unsigned draftees (2025 salary)
- Nastja Claessens ($65,438)
- Txell Alarcon ($65,438)
2025 WNBA Draft picks (2024 salary)
- Round 1, No. 4 ($78,831)
- Round 1, No. 6 ($75,643)
- Round 2, No. 11…
