The Washington Mystics traded the No. 1 pick to the Atlanta Dream in return for the No. 3 and No. 14 picks on Wednesday, a source confirmed to The Athletic. Washington will also have the ability to swap its 2023 first-round selection with Atlanta, a pick the Dream gained as part of a package when it acquired Erica Wheeler from the Los Angeles Sparks in February.
The Mystics finished the season ninth in the WNBA standings with a 12-20 record. The Dream were 11th at 8-24.
Kentucky guard/wing Rhyne Howard, Baylor forward NaLyssa Smith and Ole Miss center Shakira Austin are all possibilities for Atlanta with the No. 1 pick.
(Photo: Jennifer Pottheiser / NBAE via Getty Images)
Who should Atlanta take at No. 1?
Chantel Jennings, senior women's basketball writer: I expect the Dream to take Howard. She’s the only player in this draft class that appears to be a franchise player, despite the readiness of Smith and the potential of Austin (who I anticipate to go No. 2 and No. 3, respectively).
Considering Atlanta lost four of its top five scorers from a season ago, Howard would bring the highest level for an immediate scorer. With the franchise under new leadership in the front office and coaching staff, it doesn’t surprise me that the Dream made a bold move to kick off the 2022 season.
Why this deal made sense for Washington
Jennings: GM/coach Mike Thibault said in a statement that he believes this move allows the Mystics a bit more freedom in terms of Washington’s priorities in 2022 and 2023. The Mystics felt good about the top three athletes, so by picking No. 3 — and ensuring a potentially higher spot in the 2023 draft, which is certain to be much deeper than this year or last — Washington has guaranteed itself a great result in 2022 in terms of talent and the potential to move higher in 2023. Not a bad deal at all.
