What’s next for Elena Delle Donne and the Washington Mystics?

Now, with Elena Delle Donne’s four-year contract expiring and free agency on the horizon, being a Mystics fan or front office member can be quite stressful. In the past, it would’ve been an easy decision for both sides to bring her back. Delle Donne has been a valuable player for the Mystics, averaging 18.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in her six seasons with the team. She has also been incredibly efficient, shooting 49.3% from the field, 40.2% from 3-point range, and 93.7% from the free-throw line. Delle Donne originally requested a trade to Washington in 2017 because it was close to her home state of Delaware and her sister Lizzie, who is deaf and blind. Additionally, she believed in head coach Mike Thibault’s vision for the team, which led to a championship in 2019.

The Mystics’ path forward is not as clear as it has been in the past. In 2018, they made their first-ever WNBA Finals appearance with Delle Donne, but this year, the situation is much murkier. The team has been plagued by injuries, with 28 separate injuries throughout the season, the most in the WNBA. Delle Donne herself has dealt with neck, ankle, and hip injuries, limiting her to only 55 games over the past four years. The Mystics have fallen short of their expectations in the playoffs, losing in the first round for the past two seasons. As a result, both sides might be considering a change. As we enter the uncertain offseason, here are four takeaways about what to expect when free agency begins in January.

Delle Donne, despite being 34 years old and having a history of back problems, has no plans to retire. She feels healthy and strong and believes she has a lot more basketball to play. While she needs time to consider her options in free agency, she prioritizes competing for championships. Not winning a championship is tough for her, and she wants to play for a team that has the potential to win it all. The Mystics have several key players under contract for 2024, including Brittney Sykes, Ariel Atkins, and Shakira Austin, but Delle Donne will have to assess whether this group, along with any potential additions in free agency, can meet her championship aspirations.

Flexibility will be a priority for the Mystics moving forward. While Delle Donne’s statistics are still impressive, her age and games missed due to injuries may give the team pause. Her back injuries in previous years are not seen as lingering issues, but her absences have been impactful. The Mystics have won a significantly higher percentage of games with Delle Donne on the court compared to when she is not available. Additionally, limited practice time with her can make it challenging for the team to develop a consistent rhythm. As a result, the Mystics may decide to prioritize financial flexibility over committing to a supermax contract for Delle Donne.

In conclusion, the Mystics and Delle Donne face a more complicated decision this offseason. While Delle Donne’s past contributions to the team are undeniable, her age, injury history, and desire to compete for championships make it a challenging decision for both parties. The Mystics’ path forward is unclear, and they will need to evaluate their roster and consider their options in free agency. Delle Donne, on the other hand, will need to determine if the current team and potential additions meet her championship aspirations. Ultimately, flexibility may play a significant role in the decision-making process for the Mystics.

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Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.