The Washington Mystics are shaking up their front office just before some key off-season dates.
Jamila Wideman has been fired as the team’s general manager after only one season in the role, ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported Monday.
The decision to take a different route was made by Monumental president of basketball Michael Winger after the two sides had “serious strategic differences,” per Philippou.
Philippou added that the differences between Wideman and the rest of the basketball operations staff became more apparent in the days leading up to free agency.
Head coach Sydney Johnson will take control of basketball operations with support from other members of the Mystics’ staff.
WNBA free agency is slated to begin on Monday, with qualifying offers and core designated players available for extension negotiations. Free agent negotiation periods will begin on Wednesday, and players will officially be allowed to sign contracts and offer sheets on Saturday.
While the Mystics’ young core is intact, with star second-year players Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen still under rookie deals, forward Shakira Austin is set to become a restricted free agent.
The Mystics possess three first-round picks in the upcoming WNBA Draft, which will take place on April 13 — Nos. 4, 9 (via Seattle) and 11 (via New York)