Canadian forward Aaliyah Edwards heads to Connecticut Sun in WNBA trade, reuniting with state where she starred at UConn.
Trade Announcement
The Washington Mystics have traded Canadian forward Aaliyah Edwards to the Connecticut Sun, the teams confirmed Thursday. In exchange, Washington acquires guard Jacy Sheldon and a swap of first-round draft picks — moving from 15th to 14th overall in the 2025 WNBA draft.
Return to Familiar Territory
For Edwards, 23, the move marks a homecoming of sorts. The Kingston, Ontario native enjoyed a standout collegiate career at the University of Connecticut, where she earned two All-American selections and set career-best averages of 17.6 points and 9.2 rebounds in her senior year.
Performance and Current Form
Drafted sixth overall by Washington in 2024, Edwards started 17 of 34 games in her rookie season, averaging 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds. This year, her production has dipped to six points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 21 appearances off the bench. The Sun see her as a long-term piece for their rebuild.
Team Vision and Management Perspective
“Aaliyah is a transformational talent whose mindset matches our championship ambitions,” Connecticut Sun general manager Morgan Tuck said in a press release. “This is more than a roster change — it’s a signal of our direction.”
Career Highlights and International Success
Beyond the WNBA, Edwards is a key figure in Canadian basketball. She represented Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics and contributed to medal-winning campaigns at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup — silver in 2019 and bronze in 2023. Her versatility and international experience have made her a consistent national team selection.
Trade Impact and Next Steps
The Sun, currently last in the Eastern Conference with a 5–23 record, hope Edwards’ arrival will boost their interior game and leadership depth. Washington adds Sheldon, a 24-year-old rookie guard averaging 7.5 points and two assists, to bolster their backcourt rotation. Both players are expected to join their new teams immediately, with potential debuts in upcoming games.
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