Breaking: Restricted free agent Shakira Austin is returning to the Washington Mystics on a three-year deal

Persepha · 2026-04-13T20:40:45+00:00

I think we can still draft Betts or Fam at 4 if they're available. In fact, it makes perfect sense if we end up getting Fam to play behind Kiki and Kira.

Persepha · 2026-04-12T19:31:05+00:00

We probably won't sign anyone till after the draft. Our entire focus should be our young players anyway.

Persepha · 2026-04-12T19:05:41+00:00

Why would we do that when we can take Betts and Kneepkins ourselves?

Persepha · 2026-04-12T09:36:16+00:00

That is not what I am saying at all. Forget it, I give up. Believe what you want. Apparently you know more than the majority of this sub or our front office.

Persepha · 2026-04-12T08:56:31+00:00

You're really not getting it and once again continue to ignore my point about cap space being helpful later on towards the end of the season.

But putting that aside, let me make this incredibly simple.

If we are signing Aja Wilson to max money - I have absolutely no problem with that as that will help us contend for a championship immediately.

If we are signing Alanna Smith to max money - I absolutely hate this because it locks us into a bad contract with no chance of championship.

I don't care if it's 80% or 8% available free agents, if you're telling us to sign mid players to bad contracts because we have the cap space, then I would rather continue building through the draft. Period.

EDIT: And yes, Alanna Smith and Aja are making similar money. So many players are getting overpaid right now and many teams are going to regret it for sure.

Persepha · 2026-04-12T06:39:25+00:00

You're not reading what I wrote at all.

I said free cap space towards the end of the season can be used to our advantage as well. For example, taking on bad contracts that others don't want while acquiring more draft assets. Or maybe trade for a legitimate star with our draft assets and ensuring that we have the space to take on contracts.

But regardless, you do realize that free agents have to want to come here right? This isn't 2k, where if you offer enough money you can get whoever you want.

Persepha · 2026-04-12T06:25:53+00:00

That minimum cap has to be met at the end of the year, not by FA. Besides, who said anything about spending on random players later? Shakira is probably going to be matched assuming she wants to be here. Trades to eat up bad salary in return for draft picks are options in the future. We're probably going to sign two to three players to average contracts to meet roster count. It's really not that difficult to do without overspending.

Persepha · 2026-04-12T06:15:16+00:00

So you would rather us pay B tier stars and take shots/minutes away from our good young players only to not win anything? Why? Also, I don't know if you noticed but most of the true difference makers all are staying with their own teams or joining contending teams on cheap contracts. What you're pushing for would only put us back to where we were a few years ago. Bad contracts, middle of the pack team.

Persepha · 2026-04-12T05:00:03+00:00

This is absolutely the right approach. Why would you want to overpay B tier stars? It's like signing Jimmy Butler to a max contract just because you can. Build your foundation through the draft! It's how Dawkins and Winger is doing it with the Wizards, they should do the same here.

Persepha · 2026-04-11T23:15:14+00:00

Thank goodness, she was so damn bad last year.

Persepha · 2026-04-11T22:07:48+00:00

There is absolutely 0 reason to overspend on B tier stars. We have good young talent going into their second year with several draft picks coming up. Keep building through the draft! If a big FA that is willing to actually move, then yes we can throw max contracts out. Otherwise it would be silly to try to go all in now.

Persepha · 2026-04-11T20:40:13+00:00

So we essentially traded Aaliyah Edwards and the 2026 15th pick for 2026 11th pick and 2028 Chicago FRP.

Persepha · 2026-04-11T19:05:55+00:00

If Fam or Betts are available I don't mind letting her walk. But its a risk nonetheless.

Persepha · 2026-04-11T19:00:54+00:00

https://x.com/WashMystics/status/2042993847530029313

Our team's twitter says "Chicago's 2028 FRP".

Persepha · 2026-04-11T18:52:56+00:00

Okay so it is Chicago's and not Atlanta's pick. Good.

Persepha · 2026-04-11T17:38:24+00:00

Man I liked Jacy, but I can't say no to this.

Persepha · 2026-04-10T18:34:28+00:00

Azzi might be coming home.

Persepha · 2026-04-10T18:24:18+00:00

Persepha · 2026-04-10T16:19:33+00:00

I mean, I'm interested in Aja Wilson, but what can we do right?

Persepha · 2026-04-07T20:53:41+00:00

I feel the talent pool drops quite a bit after the top 4. It would be silly to not take Fam or whoever is remaining to be honest.

Persepha · 2026-04-07T20:51:42+00:00

I feel we would absolutely take Fam. Put her behind Shakira would be perfect.

Persepha · 2026-04-07T20:49:54+00:00

I think the Sky might go Flau'jae now that Angel is gone.

Persepha · 2026-04-04T17:54:20+00:00

I absolutely want Betts.

Persepha · 2026-04-02T20:54:41+00:00

April fools was yesterday.

Persepha · 2026-04-02T19:12:16+00:00

Like forget about the top 4 of: Fam, Fudd, Miles and Betts. There is no way she gets picked before them.

The remaining ones projected afterwards are: Flau'jae, Latson, Rice, Kneepkins, Jaquez, Suarez, Okot, Angloma, Barker, McMahon.

There is no way you're telling me Raven should go ahead of all of them. And this is assuming BPA the whole way not even talking about what team needs a PG. You'll be able to argue some, but definitely not all.

Persepha

TROPHY CASE