The Washington Mystics enter the 2025 WNBA Draft in an enviable position – armed with the No. 3, No. 4, and No. 6 overall picks in the first round. It’s the first time in franchise history that the Mystics holds three first-round selections in one draft. The Mystics acquired the No. 3 pick via trade with Chicago, sending two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins to the Sky in exchange for that lottery pick (plus future considerations). Owning three of the top six picks gives Washington a rare stockpile of draft capital that could dramatically accelerate their rebuild.
Rebuilding for a New Era in D.C.
This draft bounty comes at a pivotal moment for the Mystics. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024 and parting ways with longtime general manager Mike Thibault and head coach Eric Thibault, Washington signaled a clear shift in direction. Franchise legend Elena Delle Donne also announced her retirement this offseason, and beloved veterans like Atkins (the last remaining player from the 2019 championship team) have been dealt away.
In the words of new general manager Jamila Wideman, the bold moves are “a clear reflection of our commitment to build toward a new era.” Similar to the Washington Wizards, the Mystics are embracing a youth movement – stockpiling draft picks via trades – and positioning themselves to rebuild from the ground up with talented prospects.
Recent draft history has some bright spots (e.g. Washington drafted Ariel Atkins at No. 7 in 2018 and she blossomed into an All-Star), and the organization famously found a gem in Emma Meesseman, a 2013 second-round pick who became a Finals MVP. 2022 and 2024 first round picks Shakira Austin and Aaliyah Edwards have also panned out well for the Mystics. Now armed with high picks and a clear vision, Washington has a chance to start off strong under new leadership.
Potential Targets in the 2025 Draft
The 2025 draft class is stacked with talent, which is perfect timing for Washington’s needs. It’s virtually a given that UConn phenom Paige Bueckers will be off the board at No. 1 overall – she’s considered a “generational offensive talent” and a franchise-changing player.
Many also expect 19-year-old French center Dominique Malonga to be snatched up by the time Washington picks (she’s widely regarded as the top post player in this class). In fact, one mock draft initially projected the Mystics to land Malonga at No. 3, noting that “6-foot-6 centers with her athleticism and on-ball skills are extremely rare.” If Malonga somehow fell to No. 3, the Mystics would likely jump at the chance to grab such a unique talent.
Assuming the consensus top prospects like Bueckers and Malonga are gone by pick 3, Washington will have its choice from a deep pool of next-tier prospects. The front office has indicated they plan to draft the best players available to become the foundation of a new core. Here’s one possible scenario (mock-draft style) for how the Mystics could use their three first-round picks:
1. No. 3 overall – Sonia Citron (G/F, Notre Dame): A smart, versatile wing, Citron could step in and contribute on both ends. She’s a 6’1” guard/forward who can shoot from outside and defend multiple positions. Some analysts feel Citron is a perfect fit for Washington, noting she “feels like a lock to wind up in D.C.” thanks to her defensive versatility and spot-up shooting ability. While she may not be a flashy pick, she’s viewed as WNBA-ready and “destined for a long pro career” – the kind of high-floor player who can help anchor the Mystics’ perimeter for years.
2. No. 4 overall – Kiki Iriafen (F, USC): Iriafen is an athletic 6’3” power forward who had a breakout senior season at USC. She averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing a smooth face-up game and efficient finishing around the rim. Washington’s roster isn’t desperate for another forward, but at this spot Iriafen might be the best player available. She’s a good athlete with mobility and a soft touch, traits that could complement the Mystics’ existing frontcourt. Importantly, Iriafen brings interior scoring that the team lacked last season. If she can extend her range outward (an area scouts note she’s still developing ), she has the upside to become a well-rounded offensive threat. Adding Iriafen would give Washington a young frontcourt duo (paired with 2022 pick Shakira Austin) to build around.
3. No. 6 overall – Aneesah Morrow (F, LSU): Don’t be surprised if the Mystics grab the best rebounder in the draft with this pick. Morrow is a 6’1” forward who averaged a monster 18.7 points and 13.5 rebounds per game last season at LSU . She is a double-double machine with a high motor – something Washington could use to energize its offense and clean the glass. There are questions about her size (a bit undersized for a pro power forward) and efficiency, but at the sixth pick her upside is hard to ignore. Morrow’s production in college was undeniable, and her physical, hard-nosed style would quickly make her a fan favorite in D.C. If Washington adds Morrow, they’d inject serious scoring and rebounding punch to the lineup. It’s the kind of high-upside swing that could pay off big if she adapts to the WNBA level.
Other names to watch include local Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers, a 6’2” playmaker who can do a bit of everything (and who greatly improved her three-point shooting this past year), and dynamic guard Hailey Van Lith from LSU – one of the most recognizable college players, known for her fiery scoring ability. Depending on how the draft unfolds, the Mystics could target a backcourt talent like Sellers or Van Lith with one of their picks, especially if they prioritize boosting an offense that ranked near the bottom of the league in 2024.
The good news is that with three early selections, Washington has the flexibility to address multiple needs (wing, post, guard) or even package picks in a trade if a can’t-miss opportunity arises. As it stands, though, Mystics leadership seems inclined to keep all three picks and stockpile young talent.
Roster Impact and Fan Excitement
Landing three first-rounders in one night could reshape the Mystics’ roster overnight. For a team that has entered a full rebuild – with the departure of nearly every key player from their 2019 championship run – this draft is a chance to construct the franchise’s future foundation in one fell swoop.
In addition to those top-six picks, Washington also holds the No. 23 and No. 32 picks in later rounds, which shouldn’t be overlooked. The Mystics famously found Finals MVP Emma Meesseman at pick #19 , and while lightning may not strike twice, having extra swings in the 2nd and 3rd round gives them a shot to unearth another hidden gem or role player.
It’s a rare luxury to hold this many high picks, and it arrives at the perfect time. The Mystics’ front office has done the work to acquire these assets; now it’s about capitalizing on them. If they nail their selections on draft night, the payoff could be a fast-tracked return to WNBA contention in the coming years.