The Washington Mystics announced today that they have acquired a future 2024 second-round pick and 2025 first-round draft pick from the Dallas Wings in exchange for the rights to Stephanie Soares, who was selected with the fourth pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft.
The Mystics’ future 2025 first-round pick from Dallas was originally acquired by the Wings via a trade with the Atlanta Dream in January 2023.
“Our decision to trade our first round pick was based on a couple things,” said Mystics General Manager Mike Thibault. “Our roster is very close to being set for this season and it would have been tough to keep everyone we liked on the roster. The 2025 draft has the potential to be a very significant draft, coming after the end of the extra Covid year that college players were granted the past several years.”
Thibault continued, “The depth of that draft should be great and we will now have two first round picks in that draft.”
The team also selected guard Elena Tsineke from the University of South Florida with the 20th overall pick. Tsineke (5-7) averaged 17.9 points while shooting .452 from the field and .383 from three-point territory. She also averaged 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 33 games played during 2022-23. The Thessaloniki, Greece native led South Florida and the American conference in scoring her senior season. She was named a 2023 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-American Honorable Mention.
“We took Elena Tsineke in the second round to come into camp and compete with our other guards,” said Thibault. “She can play both guard positions and is a fierce competitor.”
With the 32nd overall pick, the Mystics selected Txell Alarcón from Spain. The 19-year-old guard averaged 7.9 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting .466 from the field in 30 games played with Kutxabank Araski (Spain-LF Endesa).
“We took Txell Alarcón in the 3rd round to have her rights for the future,” said Thibault. “She is a good shooting combo guard who will not come this season. We will get a chance to follow her progress the next year.”
Thibault added, “Can’t wait for training camp to start in a few weeks.”
The Washington Mystics tip off the 2023 season at home on Friday, May 19 versus the New York Liberty at 7:00 p.m. For information on Mystics Club 52 full season memberships, presented by Ticketmaster, and to secure your seats for the upcoming season, please visit www.washingtonmystics.com.