This was not the offseason the Mystics had in mind.
After Washington extended a core qualifying offer to Elena Delle Donne last month, she made the shocking decision to step away from basketball, putting the Mystics in a serious predicament. Washington was hoping to get something of value in return for trading the two-time MVP, who had indicated she no longer wished to play for the Mystics. With her shocking announcement, the Mystics have to pivot.
But just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse, the Mystics also lost the franchise’s all-time leader in assists, Natasha Cloud. An unrestricted free agent, Cloud signed with the Phoenix Mercury.
Washington was looking to expedite the rebuilding process, but these two moves really threw a wrench in their offseason plans. It is possible that Delle Donne returns a year from now and a trade could be worked out, but, if her plan is to retire, the Mystics will not be able to get a return back for her. General manager Mike Thibault has mentioned a potential Emma Meesseman return to DC, but that likely won’t happen for at least a year.
So, as you can see, this has been an unideal free agency so far for Washington, but let’s look at some of the positives of this offseason.
