The Minnesota Lynx has traded their first round Pick in the WNBA design of 2026 in exchange for Washington Mystics Vooruit Karlie Samuelson. Samuelson is fresh from a career season with the mystics in which she had an average of 8.4 points per match and 39.8% shot three, also 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per match.
In 2023, Samuelson was one of the best shooters in the WNBA, who did Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Lexie Brown as the only players who shoot at least 45% of the field and 40% from three -point range.
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Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty images
This trade only comes a day after the Lynx their 2025 WNBA first round concept choice to the Chicago Sky, a movement that landed them in the first round of the Sky in 2026. Held in, the movements mark the desire of the team to add veterans who can now contribute to winning, instead of younger prospects that might take the time to develop.
De Lynx has Brouchche back their core from last year’s Finals team, a group led by Defensive Player of the Year Napheeesa Collier, All-Star Guard Kayla McBride, striking guard Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith and the most improved player of the player candidate. They also have a whole series of young talent, including the first round of last year, Alissa Pilli.
The reconstruction mystics are in stock of concept choices
The Washington Mystics are now on the other side of the spectrum. They have no. 3, no. 4 and no. 6 picks in the first round of the 2025 WNBA concept-their first round picks in franchis history. They also have the 23rd and 32nd picks in the design of 2025.
As a result of their latest track with the Lynx, they now also have an extra choice in next year’s design, although the exact design order still has to be determined.
The design of 2026 will stand out such as UCLA Center Lauren Betts, LSU star Flau’jae Johnson and Oklahoma Center Raegan Beers. Washington continues to build around young talent such as Aaliyah Edwards, Shakira Austin and Emily Engslter while retaining experienced players such as Brittney Sykes and Stefanie Dolson.