The Washington Mystics were awarded forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton off waivers Saturday afternoon. The 11th-year veteran was waived by the New York Liberty after the organization failed to move her before the trade deadline.
"We were patient at the deadline because we believe in our group and wanted to protect our team chemistry," Mystics president Michael Winger told ESPN. "But the opportunity to add an established veteran with a wealth of experience is important for our continued development and competitiveness.
"We think she will add valuable leadership, knowledge and competence to our team."
In a corresponding move, the Mystics waived guard Rori Harmon, but a source told ESPN the team hopes to bring her back on a developmental contract.
Laney-Hamilton had been with New York since 2021, when she earned her lone All-Star nod, and was a key figure in the organization winning its first championship in 2024. The two-time All-Defensive Team selection was named Most Improved Player in 2020 and averaged 12.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and shot 35.2% from beyond the arc in five seasons in New York.
Injuries have been an issue in recent years for the 32-year-old, who joins the youngest team in the league. The Mystics hold the league's longest win streak at six consecutive games. Washington was not considered a playoff team at the beginning of the season as it was in Year 2 of a rebuild that included six first-round picks in the last two drafts. With just 14 games remaining, the team is in the No. 6 playoff spot and looks to be on track to return to the postseason for the first time since 2023 with a pair of two-time All-Stars in Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron.
Laney-Hamilton, who has played in two WNBA Finals, is expected to add depth and experience as a wing off the bench. She brings a 3-and-D skill set to a roster ranked last in 3-point percentage and No. 2 in scoring defense. Things never worked out in New York this season with tweaks to a roster and new coach in Chris DeMarco. Laney-Hamilton averaged just 16.8 minutes in 17 games this season and was never a consistent part of the rotation.
DeMarco told reporters Saturday that Laney-Hamilton had expressed interest in getting opportunities for a larger role elsewhere and that it was difficult to find the right trade partner.
ESPN's Alexa Philippou contributed to this report.