Mystics Trade Aaliyah Edwards to Sun for Jacy Sheldon: Impact on 2025 WNBA Championship Betting Odds

Another WNBA trade has struck again! This time, Aaliyah Edwards is reunited with the Nutmeg state.

 (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

On Thursday morning, the Connecticut Sun acquired forward Aaliyah Edwards from the Washington Mystics in exchange for Jacy Sheldon, and the right to swap Washington's 2026 first-round pick from the Minnesota Lynx for Connecticut's 2026 first-round pick from the New York Liberty.

The Washington Mystics originally obtained a 2026 first-rounder by trading Karlie Samuelson to the Lynx. In addition, the Connecticut Sun's 2026 first-round pick follows the Natasha Cloud trade from Connecticut to New York.

A standout at UConn, alongside Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, Edwards was selected No. 6 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Earlier in the season, it was announced that the Mystics would trade Edwards after she took a back seat in the rotation to rookie Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin.

Sheldon, 24, joins her third team since being drafted No. 5 overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2024 WNBA Draft. After stints with the Wings and Sun, Sheldon fell out of the Sun's starting rotation with the emergence of Leila Lacan and the return of Marina Mabrey.

With the pending sale of the Connecticut Sun looming over the WNBA and Board of Governors, the Sun start their rebuild for the future, regardless if located in Connecticut or not.

Let's take a look at the current 2025 WNBA Championship betting odds, and how the recent trade affects both the Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics title odds among the sportsbooks. Neither team are playoff contenders, however, it's a reset for both Aaliyah Edwards and Jacy Sheldon.

FanDuel 2025 WNBA Championship Betting Odds

Connecticut Sun WNBA Championship Betting Odds

Odds before the trade: +50000
Odds after the trade: +50000

Once the Washington Mystics announced they would find a trade suitor for Aaliyah Edwards, I was not expecting the Connecticut Sun. With the trade, Edwards reconnects with Connecticut as a former Husky.  Originally drafted by the Mystics, Edwards was in line to become the next cornerstone piece for the franchise. However, that shifted after they drafted Iriafen, and Austin returned to full health. Now, the Sun are focused on player development and fully rebuilding with youth.

Edwards, 23, is in the midst of her sophomore WNBA season, and missed eight games this season due to injury. Coming off a solid first season with Washington, Edwards shined despite a a 14-26 record. In 34 games, Edwards started 17 of them, averaging 7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Although her production has dipped this season, Edwards averaged 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in just 13.3 minutes in 21 games with the Mystics.

The Connecticut Sun 2025 WNBA Championship Betting Odds Unchanged After Edwards, Sheldon Trade

In 55 career games with Washington, Edwards has a career-average of 7.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. Although not an outside threat, the Ontario native has shot 48 percent from the field over her career.

“Bringing Aaliyah to the Connecticut Sun is more than just a roster move; it's a statement about where we're headed as a franchise, "Morgan Tuck, Connecticut Sun General Manager stated in a press release. "Aaliyah is a transformational talent with the mindset and drive that aligns with our vision of building a championship culture. What truly sets her apart is the way she leads, connects, and competes. Aaliyah is the kind of person and player who can help redefine the future of this organization and we're ready to build that future together.”

With the trade, the Connecticut Sun WNBA Championship betting odds haven't shifted at all. In fact, the trade signals the Sun are in full rebuild mode, amidst ongoing relocation and sale talks. The Connecticut Sun have a fully loaded frontcourt with former UConn Huskies Tina Charles and Olivia Nelson-Ododa. In addition, Connecticut drafted former LSU standout Aneesah Morrow No.7 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Charles, 36 is nearing the end of her career despite her ability to perform at the highest level. The trade doesn't move the needle— the Sun's championship odds among sportsbooks were +50000 before and after the trade.  With an WNBA worst 5-23 record, Connecticut is all but removed from playoff contention. While Connecticut boasts of mix of veterans and rookies, Edwards and Morrow benefit from the veteran presence of both Charles and Marina Mabrey. Perhaps, Morrow and Edwards will highlight the Sun's future frontcourt for years to come.

The trade makes sense, since Marina Mabrey, Tina Charles, and Olivia-Nelson Ododa are all set to become free agents in 2026.

How Aaliyah Edwards Can Impact The Connecticut Sun

Although Edwards joins a crowded frontcourt, she will help bolster the Sun's efficiency on the boards.  Even with such talent, the Sun rank last in the WNBA in rebounds per game (31.4), and give up the second most rebounds per game to opponents (36.3). Not to mention, Connecticut gives up the most paint points per game (37.8), and on the offensive end—they average less than 30.4 interior paint points.

We are talking about a player who shined in Unrivaled, and made it to the one-on-one finale against Napheesa Collier, along with a 2020.  Ranked 15th all-time on the  UConn Women's Basketball scoring list, Edwards is the ultimate competitor. While it's unclear where Edwards will fit in the rotation, this signals the Sun have a long-term plan.

A menace on the glass, Edwards also provides a viable scoring option, especially in the interior.  In 2024, Edwards ranked top four among rookies in rebounds per game (5.6), and top three in offensive boards per game (1.4). Perhaps she will help boost the Sun's second chance points, which rank fourth worst in the WNBA.

Aforementioned, the Sun continue to rebuild their core after losing their entire core four in Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Brionna Jones, and DiJonai Carrington in last year's offseason. With just five wins, I expect the betting odds to remain high for Connecticut, given they have the eighth toughest remaining schedule.

Look for Edwards to recalibrate her game after the Mystics chose to move on from the forward after just 55 games with the franchise. 

Washington Mystics WNBA Championship Betting Odds

Odds before the trade: +47000
Odds after the trade: +50000

The Washington Mystics are making headlines this week! First trading Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm, the Mystics strike another move.

This time, sending their former No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 Draft, Aaliyah Edwards, to the Connecticut Sun, in exchange for guard Jacy Sheldon. With the trade, the Mystics have the right to swap Minnesota's 2026 first-round pick for Connecticut's 2026 first-rounder.

This is important, especially since the Sun could potentially land a high lottery pick with a 5-23 win loss record. Mentioned above, this trade isn't a surprise—it was noted the Mystics were working to find a trade partner for Edwards earlier in the season.

Former Ohio State standout Jacy Sheldon gets a restart, this time with her third franchise since drafted in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Known for her defensive prowess, Sheldon fell out of the starting rotation with Lacan and Mabrey at the forefront. Although not considered a volume scorer, here's what she brings to the Mystics.

Washington is arguably the hottest talked about team, and now they own SIX picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Those include three first-round selections, two second-round, and one in the third. It's safe to say, the Mystics are fully prepping and embracing the future led alongside young and development.

“We are excited to welcome Jacy to the Mystics and think her skill set, energy, and team-first approach will be a great fit for us,” said General Manager Jamila Wideman in a press release. “She is a competitor and leads through the example of her work-ethic.  She has built on her solid rookie campaign and demonstrated an ability to shoot the ball and read the game on both ends of the court.”

From the Dallas Wings, Connecticut, and to the Nation's capital, Jacy Sheldon hasn't exactly been a member of winning team's. However, she's part of an exciting rebuild, one that needs a guard with the departure of Brittney Sykes.

What Jacy Sheldon Can Bring To The Washington Mystics Trade

Guard Sug Sutton is set to become a free agent in 2026, and Jade Melbourne has a club option. Even so, with the new CBA expected to take place, rosters could potentially look vastly different next season. Sheldon joins Sutton and Melbourne in the frontcourt, although it's unclear how she will fit in Sydney Johnson's system.

Rookie point guard Georgia Amoore is out for the season after suffering an ACL tear, and Sheldon will provide much needed guard depth. Notable for her pestering defense, Sheldon brings pace and intensity to Washington. Noted as a starter and bench producer for both Dallas and Connecticut, there's no denying Sheldon was having a career-year with the Sun.

In 28 games with the Sun, Sheldon is averaging a career-high 7.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and a steal. Making every opportunity count, Sheldon has drastically increased her shooting efficiency, even when booted out of the starting five. Surging in her sophomore year, Sheldon is shooting a career-high 47 percent from the field, and 41.2 percent from beyond the arc.

The Washington Mystics WNBA Championship Odds Plummet

With a 13-16 record on the season, the Mystics are slipping away from playoff contention, however there's still a chance they can make the playoffs. The Mystics remain one of the least efficient 3-point shooting teams, averaging a league-low 16.6 3-pointers per game.  Again, this is a team that ranks dead last in 3-pointers made (5.3 3PM), and shoots 32.2 percent as a team from downtown.

Perhaps Sheldon can hit the restart button by providing youth, 3-point prowess, and defensive strength to this Mystics team. Ranked seventh in defensive rating, the Mystics remain one of the least efficient teams on the offensive end.

Recording career-highs in points, steals, field goal percentage, and 3-point field goal percentage, Sheldon will get a chance to continue that in Washington.

While their WNBA Championship betting odds have plummeted from +47000 to +50000, the Mystics are now in line with the Connecticut Sun, Chicago Sky, and Dallas Wings as the four teams to hold +50000 WNBA championship title odds.

While this year's betting odds are likely to stay put, I wouldn't put my money on Connecticut or Washington. Both teams are in the basement as far as championship odds, yet that could change in the future.