Though they were once pushing for a playoff spot, the Mystics’ 2025 season has rapidly declined since the August 5th trade of star guard Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm. While the departure of the 2025 All-Star was contentious with fans, it was also widely seen as a step toward continuing a rebuild with younger talent, and it also opened the door for rookie Sonia Citron to become the focal point of the team.
In the wake of the trade, Citron has not only filled the void but has cemented her status as the most valuable player on the team, playing the best basketball even when the team has not been winning. Her impact was especially clear in the final home game on September 7th, as she led the Mystics with 17 points during their 94-65 defeat to the Indiana Fever.
Before being traded, Brittney Sykes was the clear leader of the Mystics' offense. She was their go-to scorer and playmaker, providing a consistent source of points, energy, and leadership. She averaged 15.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 31.8% from three-point range. In exchange for Sykes, the Mystics received Alysha Clark, Zia Cooke (who was subsequently waived), and a 2026 first-round draft pick. The trade was a strategic move to ensure a return on their star player while also signaling that the team's future would now rely on its promising young talent.
Sonia Steps Up
Sonia Citron's rookie production was already impressive before the trade, placing her firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation. In her debut, she scored 19 points and went on to record double figures in 14 consecutive games, reaching the 100-point mark faster than any other rookie in her draft class (yes, even Paige Bueckers). She even had a massive 27-point, 11-rebound double-double on June 22nd.
However, since Sykes’ departure, Citron has become the new offensive engine for the team, consistently providing the same points and energy that Sykes once did. Her increased role is especially notable as the team has struggled to pick up wins following the trade. On the season, Citron has averaged 14.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Beyond this, Citron also leads the Mystics in scoring with 15.0 PPG, minutes played with 32.1 MPG, 52 total steals, and maintains a strong Offensive Rating of 110.0, highlighting her efficiency and overall value to the Mystics' offense.
If WNBA teams gave out their own MVP awards, the Mystics’ vote would be unanimous for Sonia Citron. The true measure of her value is how the team would perform without her, and given the offensive and defensive load she carries, the Mystics wouldn't want to imagine a game without her on the court. Citron has become the team's primary offensive force, a leader in her rookie season, and a consistent bright spot on a team in a rebuilding phase. She has stepped up to fill the void left by Sykes, showing her versatility and poise under pressure, while becoming an All-Star herself.
The Future is Bright for Kitron
In the end, the Brittney Sykes trade, while difficult, was a turning point for the Washington Mystics. It signaled the beginning of a new era defined by the rapid rise of Sonia Citron and the crucial emergence of Kiki Iriafen, a duo affectionately dubbed "Kitron" by Mystics fans. Citron's sustained production has solidified her as a cornerstone of the team, perfectly complementing Iriafen's impact in the paint as both a scorer and defender.
Rebuilds take time, but with two promising rookie stars leading the way, the Mystics are well-positioned for the future. Their success will come not only from making smart draft selections but also from becoming a desirable destination for free agents looking to play alongside elite, young talent.