WNBA Free Agency: Brittney Sykes to sign with Washington Mystics

As the WNBA world continues to wait for the Breanna Stewartdomino to fall — she's reportedly choosing between joining the NewYork Liberty or returning to the Seattle Storm — we're starting toget free-agency movement elsewhere.

First reported by Howard Megdal of The Next, theWashington Mystics are set to sign guard Brittney Sykes once dealsare eligible to be finalized. A few minutes later, Khristina Williams of Girls TalkSports reported that Sykes' deal will be for threeyears.

The Mystics were The W's best defense last season, allowing just96 points per 100 possessions. Their guard duo of Natasha Cloud andAriel Atkins led the way — both earned a spot on the All-DefensiveFirst Team last season. Adding Sykes to this group seems to be anaggressive double-down of their ethos.

Sykes is coming off a strong defensive campaign in her ownright. She was selected to the All-Defensive Second Team behind herevent creation. Not only did she lead The W in steals (2.0, 65total), she was one of two players under 6-feetto block at least 20 shots (22), with Mercury star SkylarDiggins-Smith (30) being the other.

Adding Sykes to a roster with Cloud, Atkins, rookie standoutShakira Austin and underrated Elena Delle Donne is unfair foropposing offenses. The cast could be stronger if they're able toretain any of Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (UFA), Elizabeth Williams(UFA) or the point-of-attack hounding of Rui Machida (reserved freeagent).