The Minnesota Lynx have traded their first-round decide within the 2026 WNBA Draft in change for Washington Mystics ahead Karlie Samuelson. Samuelson is contemporary off a profession season with the Mystics by which she averaged 8.4 factors per sport and shot 39.8% from three, additionally posting 2.6 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists per sport.
In 2023, Samuelson was one of many WNBA’s finest shooters, becoming a member of Jackie Younger, Chelsea Grey, and Lexie Brown as the one gamers to shoot no less than 45% % from the sphere and 40% % from three-point vary.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25953272/2171951804.jpg)
Photograph by Kenny Giarla/NBAE through Getty Photographs
This commerce comes only a day after the Lynx despatched their 2025 WNBA first-round draft decide to the Chicago Sky, a transfer that landed them the Sky’s 2026 first-round decide. In tandem, the strikes mark the workforce’s want so as to add veterans who can contribute to profitable now, somewhat than youthful prospects who would possibly take time to develop.
The Lynx have introduced again their core from final yr’s Finals workforce, a gaggle that was headlined by Defensive Participant of the 12 months Napheesa Collier, All-Star guard Kayla McBride, standout guard Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, and Most Improved Participant candidate Bridget Carleton. Additionally they have already got a slew of younger expertise, together with final yr’s first-round draft decide, Alissa Pilli.
The rebuilding Mystics have been stockpiling draft picks
The Washington Mystics, in the meantime, discover themselves on the opposite finish of the spectrum. They’ve the No. 3, No. 4, and No. 6 picks within the first spherical of the 2025 WNBA Draft — their most first-round picks in franchise historical past. Additionally they have the twenty third and thirty second picks within the 2025 draft.
On account of their newest commerce with the Lynx, they now have an extra decide in subsequent yr’s draft, too, although the precise draft order has but to be decided.
The 2026 Draft is about to incorporate standouts like UCLA heart Lauren Betts, LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson, and Oklahoma Middle Raegan Beers. Washington continues to construct round younger expertise like Aaliyah Edwards, Shakira Austin, and Emily Engslter whereas nonetheless retaining veteran gamers like Brittney Sykes and Stefanie Dolson.
