The Washington Mystics are in a very critical situation headed into the 2023 season. The core of Elena Delle Donne, Ariel Atkins and Natasha Cloud is secured for at least one more season, and with some cap space to add veterans to improve the offense and the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, this offseason is very crucial for them if they want to get back to 2019 championship-level status.
By the Numbers*
Free agents (type) (2022 average salary):
- Alysha Clark (unrestricted) ($183,000)
- Elizabeth Williams (unrestricted) ($90,000)
- Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (unrestricted) ($72,000)
- Tianna Hawkins (unrestricted) ($72,000)
- Rui Machida (unrestricted) ($60,000)
Total average salary of free agents: $477,000
Total team salary: $848,034
Cap space: $572,466
Analysis
After getting bounced by the Seattle Storm in last year’s playoffs, former head coach Mike Thibault told reporters in his exit interview that roster changes are important to be made to improve the team. He was right, as the Mystics struggled to create any offense when Elena Delle Donne went to the bench. The offensive struggles were seen throughout the regular season and were amplified in the brief two-game series against Seattle; however, because of the magnificent defense, the Mystics still managed to…
