Mystics Fire GM Ahead of WNBA Draft, Free Agency as HC Sydney Johnson Takes On Duties

The Washington Mystics fired general manager Jamila Wideman on Monday after just one season on the job.

"Jamila has a long history in professional basketball, made many thoughtful contributions to the Mystics, and we are thankful for the time and work she devoted to the team," Monumental president of basketball, Michael Winger, said in a statement. "At this time, we are looking forward to this historic new season for the WNBA and remain focused on building sustainable success in Washington. I have every confidence in the team we have, and will continue to build, to move us toward our goals."

Per ESPN's Alexa Philippou, second-year head coach Sydney Johnson will lead basketball operations and has been "lauded for his player development expertise and for his culture-building in his first year at the helm."

Philippou added that the Mystics haven't determined whether they'll seek out a long-term general manager to work with Johnson.

Wideman was brought aboard in Dec. 2024 after six years working for the league office but ultimately had "serious strategic differences" with Winger, per Philippou, and the "misaligned visions became more apparent as the team geared up for free agency."

The Mystics have a strong young core of Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, though Austin is a restricted free agent, and also have 2025 first-round pick Georgia Amoore returning from her torn ACL.

Washington can further add more talent at the draft with three top-11 picks. It remains to be seen whether they'll be aggressive through free agency or take a slower rebuilding approach, especially with JuJu Watkins in next year's draft.

The Mystics do have swap rights with Chicago next offseason, however, which could prove to be very valuable after Angel Reese was traded. That could allow them to retool more aggressively in free agency without hurting their chances at drafting a player like Watkins, as the Chicago pick could potentially be a top-three selection.