Aaliyah Edwards finds herself at the center of WNBA trade chatter, but the timing couldn’t be more complicated for the former sixth-round pick. Just days ahead of a rematch with the Minnesota Lynx, she was facing reports that multiple teams had contacted the Washington Mystics about her availability.
It’s not the first time trade rumors have echoed through the WNBA, but this one hits hard since Edwards is still early in her career. She didn’t take long to make her position clear, as the emotional toll couldn’t be higher.
Mystics Coach Sydney Johnson Defends Edwards Amid Rising Trade Speculation
Head coach Sydney Johnson has now spoken publicly for the first time, hoping to quiet the speculation and refocus attention on the court. On Tuesday, ESPN reporters Kendra Andrews and Alexa Philippou revealed that multiple teams have expressed interest in acquiring the second-year forward.
The reports sparked widespread speculation about Edwards’ future, especially given a noticeable dip in her playing time this season.
Speaking before the Mystics’ game against the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday, Johnson called it “a tough situation” for both Edwards and the team.
“She’s very young in her career, and she’s a Mystic,” Johnson said. He praised her recent effort in practice and noted her focus on improving key areas, including rebounding, defense, and finishing.
Following the ESPN report, Edwards also broke her silence. She told The Washington Post that she remains focused on the present and is committed to the team’s goals.
“I’m showing up for D.C. every night,” she said. Edwards backed up her words with a solid performance off the bench, though official game logs do not confirm a 15-point, 92–75 loss to the Lynx as of this article’s publication.
The change in her playing time actually began with this season’s role shift. Last year, Edwards started 17 of 34 games, averaging 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 21.8 minutes. But this season, her minutes have dropped to just 14.1 per game.
The decline is also visible in her stats, as she’s averaging 4.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists across just 13 games.
For a player who showed promise as a rookie, the reduced role has been frustrating. Edwards was the sixth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft out of UConn, where she helped lead the Huskies to a national championship. Her versatility and defensive instincts made her an immediate contributor, but the sophomore season has brought new challenges.
Team Support Remains Strong Despite Uncertainty
Johnson has remained supportive of Edwards throughout the recent media attention.
“It’s been a little bumpy for her the last 48 hours,” he said postgame. “There’s been a lot of attention in ways she didn’t want and that weren’t fair to her. But I love her professionalism, and I love the sisterhood in that locker room that’s rallied around her.”
Sydney Johnson on Aaliyah Edwards’s performance tonight:
“It has been a little bumpy ride for her the last 48 hours. There’s been a lot of attention on her in ways that she didn’t want and wasn’t fair to her. And I just love her professionalism.”
— Tyler Byrum (@theTylerByrum) July 4, 2025
The Mystics have struggled this season, sitting near the bottom of the league standings. That reality has led to speculation about potential roster moves, with Edwards’ name surfacing in trade discussions. However, the organization appears committed to developing their young talent rather than making hasty decisions.
Edwards’ situation reflects the broader challenges facing young players in the WNBA. The league’s competitive nature means playing time is never guaranteed, even for recent high draft picks. Her ability to stay focused amid the trade rumors could prove crucial for her long-term development.
With the WNBA trade deadline set for Aug. 7, Edwards’ future will remain an interesting storyline. Still, Johnson made his position clear.
“She’s a Mystic,” he said. “And I’m happy she had a really nice moment and outing. We can all share in that.” This affirms that both the player and coach are publicly committed to her development within the franchise, at least for now.
The next few weeks will be telling for both Edwards and the Mystics. Whether she can regain her footing and earn more minutes, or if the trade speculation becomes reality, remains to be seen. What’s certain is that Edwards has the talent and work ethic to succeed wherever she lands.
This is a bad article. I feel as if it was not read over or fact checked at all.