Mystics Get 39% Career 3-Pt Shooter Sydney Wiese in Trade for 2022 2nd-Round Pick

Mystics acquire 39% career 3-pt shooter Sydney Wiese in trade originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

The Washington Mystics took a step forward to bolster their bench depth by acquiring one of the WNBA's best 3-point shooters from last season. In a trade with the Los Angeles Sparks, the Mystics brought in fifth-year player Sydney Wiese for their 2022 second-round draft pick.

To make room for Wiese, Washington waived 2020 third-round pick Sug Sutton. 

Wiese -- who has played her entire career in L.A. after being drafted by the team in 2017 -- was tied for third-best 3-point percentage last season among those who attempted more than 40 threes. Her 47.2% mark trailed only Alysha Clark, rookie Julie Allemand and tied Rachel Banham. It helped her post her best scoring average with 6.8 points per game as a starter.

Dating all the way back to her college days at Oregon State, Wiese has been a stellar long-ball shooter. In the WNBA, the guard has shot 39.5% from deep. That skillset alone will position her well to thrive in D.C.

With the Mystics missing some key players, head coach and general manager Mike Thibault stressed finding a 3-point threat to come off the bench. It was going to be a factor on which players on training camp contracts would make the final roster. Winning the championship in 2019 proved just how vital having that scoring threat off the bench can be. 

Emma Meesseman played that role (as more than just a 3-point specialist) en route to winning the WNBA Finals MVP award. This season she is not anticipated to be with the team until at least after the Olympic break, if at all.

Add in Alysha Clark's season-ending injury and Washington needed to find some scoring depth, if it was not available from their training camp prospects. Wiese will bring some experience that Sutton could not provide in only her second season. The 6-foot guard also will add some length to the backcourt. 

Wiese will have two more years remaining on her contract on a team-friendly deal. She will be owed $162,400 over the next two seasons.

It is not anticipated that Wiese will be available for the Mystics' season opener against the Chicago Sky on Saturday due to COVID-19 protocols. 

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