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The Washington Mystics have fired general manager Jamila Wideman after just one season, per ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. Wideman, a former WNBA player, was hired by Washington in December 2024 after six years as the NBA’s vice president of player development.
The decision to part ways with Wideman was made by Monumental Sports’ president of basketball Michael Winger, who oversees both the Mystics and the NBA’s Washington Wizards, per Philippou. Winger reportedly made the choice due to “serious strategic differences,” with friction increasing as the team prepared for the start of WNBA free agency this week.
Mystics head coach Syndney Johnson, who was also hired by the team in December 2024, will reportedly take control of Washington’s basketball operations. It is unclear if this is a permanent or temporary change.
The change took place on the first day of WNBA free agency, with qualifying offers set to go out on Monday and Tuesday. Negotiations can begin on Wednesday, with players officially able to sign contracts on Saturday, April 11.
Washington’s roster is currently structured around three young stars: 25-year-old center Shakira Austin and second-year starters Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron. Iriafen and Citron, who were both selected by the Mystics in the first round of the 2025 draft, earned All-Star selections in their rookie years; Citron also earned votes for Rookie of the Year, which ultimately went to Paige Bueckers.
Per Philippou, the Mystics hope to add strong “proven talent” to their young core.
While Austin is a restricted free agent, Iriafen and Citron are still in their rookie contracts, as is Georgia Amoore, another top 2025 draft pick who missed her entire rookie season with an ACL tear. Jacy Sheldon and Lucy Olsen are also under contract heading into the season.
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The decision to part ways with Wideman was made by Monumental Sports’ president of basketball Michael Winger, who oversees both the Mystics and the NBA’s Washington Wizards, per Philippou. Winger reportedly made the choice due to “serious strategic differences,” with friction increasing as the team prepared for the start of WNBA free agency this week.
Mystics head coach Syndney Johnson, who was also hired by the team in December 2024, will reportedly take control of Washington’s basketball operations. It is unclear if this is a permanent or temporary change.
The change took place on the first day of WNBA free agency, with qualifying offers set to go out on Monday and Tuesday. Negotiations can begin on Wednesday, with players officially able to sign contracts on Saturday, April 11.
Washington’s roster is currently structured around three young stars: 25-year-old center Shakira Austin and second-year starters Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron. Iriafen and Citron, who were both selected by the Mystics in the first round of the 2025 draft, earned All-Star selections in their rookie years; Citron also earned votes for Rookie of the Year, which ultimately went to Paige Bueckers.
Per Philippou, the Mystics hope to add strong “proven talent” to their young core.
While Austin is a restricted free agent, Iriafen and Citron are still in their rookie contracts, as is Georgia Amoore, another top 2025 draft pick who missed her entire rookie season with an ACL tear. Jacy Sheldon and Lucy Olsen are also under contract heading into the season.
Continue reading...
