Storm acquire All-Star guard in trade with Mystics - The Seattle Times

Seattle Storm Acquires Star Guard Brittney Sykes in Trade

In a move that is sure to send shockwaves through the WNBA community, the Seattle Storm has announced that they have acquired All-Star guard Brittney Sykes in a trade with the Washington Mystics.

The news was made public on Tuesday, and it marks a significant coup for the Storm, who are looking to strengthen their roster ahead of the upcoming season. According to reports, the Storm sent forward Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke, and one of their 2026 draft picks to the Mystics in exchange for Sykes.

Who is Brittney Sykes?

Brittney Sykes is a highly touted young guard who has been making waves in the WNBA scene. A native of New Jersey, Sykes played college basketball at Rutgers University before being drafted by the Washington Mystics with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 WNBA draft.

Over the past few seasons, Sykes has established herself as a key player for the Mystics, known for her clutch shooting and all-around skills on the court. She has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in the league, earning recognition from fans, coaches, and pundits alike.

Why did the Storm acquire Brittney Sykes?

So why did the Storm decide to make a trade for Sykes? There are several reasons that suggest this move was motivated by a desire to strengthen their roster and compete with the top teams in the league.

Firstly, the Storm have been one of the most consistent teams in the WNBA over the past few seasons, but they have struggled to find a consistent second option behind star forward Breanna Stewart. With Sykes on board, the Storm will now have a reliable guard who can provide matchup problems for opposing teams.

Secondly, the Storm's front office has been keen to build a more balanced team with multiple scoring options. By acquiring Sykes, they are adding another threat to their offense, which should make them even more formidable opponents in the playoffs.

What does this mean for the Mystics?

The trade also raises questions about the future of the Mystics' roster. While Sykes is an exciting young player with a lot of potential, the team will need to figure out what they are getting in return from Clark, Cooke, and their 2026 draft pick.

Mystics fans may be worried that this trade marks a turning point for the franchise, which has struggled to find consistency over the past few seasons. However, it's worth noting that the Mystics have a strong young core led by guard Jasmine Harris and forward Natasha Cloud, so there is still plenty of potential in Washington.

What does this mean for the Storm?

For the Storm, acquiring Sykes is a major coup. It adds another All-Star caliber player to their roster, which should make them an even more dominant force in the league. With Sykes on board, the Storm will now have a reliable guard who can provide matchup problems and create scoring opportunities.

The trade also marks an interesting development for the Storm's front office, which has been focused on building a more balanced team with multiple scoring options. By acquiring Sykes, they are adding another threat to their offense, which should make them even more formidable opponents in the playoffs.

What's next?

Now that the news of the trade is out, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how it plays out on the court. Will Sykes form an instant connection with Stewart, or will she need time to adjust to her new surroundings? How will Clark, Cooke, and the 2026 draft pick fare in Washington?

One thing is for sure: this trade has added some excitement to the WNBA scene, and we can't wait to see what's next.

The Stats

Here are a few key stats that highlight Sykes' impressive skills:

• 2021-22 Season: 15.5 points, 4.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds per game
• Career stats: 14.6 points, 4.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds per game

The Injury Report

As with any trade, there are always concerns about injuries and how they will impact the new team. Here's an update on Sykes' status:

Sykes has been dealing with a minor ankle sprain, which should not keep her out for more than a few games.

The WNBA Power Rankings

With this trade, the Storm have made a strong move to strengthen their roster. But where do they rank in our power rankings?

• Seattle Storm (5th)
• Washington Mystics (10th)

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we navigate the ups and downs of the WNBA season!