The Washington Mystics have fired general manager Jamila Wideman after just one season, per ESPN\u2019s Alexa Philippou. Wideman, a former WNBA player, was hired by Washington in December 2024 after six years as the NBA\u2019s vice president of player development.<\/p>\n
The decision to part ways with Wideman was made by Monumental Sports\u2019 president of basketball Michael Winger, who oversees both the Mystics and the NBA\u2019s Washington Wizards, per Philippou. Winger reportedly made the decision due to \u201cserious strategic differences,\u201d with friction increasing as the team prepared for the start of WNBA free agency this week.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson, who was also hired by the team in December 2024<\/a>, will reportedly take control of Washington\u2019s basketball operations. It is unclear if this is a permanent change.<\/p>\n The move took place on the first day of WNBA free agency<\/a>, with qualifying offers set to go out Monday and Tuesday. Negotiations can begin Wednesday, with players officially able to sign contracts on Saturday.<\/p>\n Washington\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Per Philippou, the Mystics hope to add strong \u201cproven talent\u201d to their young core.<\/p>\n