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TC-DC: Liberty trade Tina Charles to Mystics in three-team deal

Photo Credit: Lamar Carter

The next rendition we will see of the New York Liberty will definitely be a new look Liberty team – in more ways than simply changing its logo.

Ever since when the bulk of free agency activity came to a close in the WNBA, there was a lingering question surrounding Tina Charles’ future in New York. With the hiring of a new coach in Walt Hopkins and a changing identity for the Liberty, those questions surrounding the Lib all-time leading scorer only mounted.

Those questions have now been answered – right up against the backdrop of this year’s WNBA draft as Tina Charles has officially been dealt from the Liberty to the Washington Mystics in a blockbuster three-team trade.

The third team involved – the Dallas Wings.

With Charles heading down the I-95 corridor to the District, D.C. is sending to Gotham Shatori Walker-Kimbrough along with the No. 12 overall pick. Washington also is sending to New York three selections in the 2021 draft (one from each round).

One of those picks the Liberty acquired in next year’s draft was then sent to the Wings in addition to New York’s original 2021 draft pick. Dallas then sends the No. 9 pick (that it received in last year’s Liz Cambage trade), an early third-round pick and the contract of Tayler Hill to Brooklyn.

Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb described No. 31 as a “a name that will forever be synonymous with New York basketball.” We’re predicting that number’s next destination will be the rafters at Barclays Center.


Over the past six seaons, Tina has cemented herself not only in the Liberty record books, but in the hearts of New Yorkers everywhere due to her tireless and selfless work in the community. On behalf of the New York Liberty organization I thank Tina and wish her well in Washington.

–Jonathan Kolb, New York Liberty general manager (per release)

The trade also reunites Charles with the Mystics coach – Mike Thibault who was her coach in Connecticut when she was drafted from UConn.


Her ability to score inside and out will make our offense even more dangerous than in the past. Her willingness to share the ball will make it tough for opponents to double team her or Elena (Delle Donne) or Emma (Meesseman) or any of our other scorers. She is one of the best rebounders in the history of the league and that is an area that we have been looking to improve going into the upcoming season. I also think her competitive fire will be appreciated by her new teammates and she will in turn thrive in our environment. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach Tina again.

–Mike Thibault, Washington Mystics coach and general manager (release)

The deal has a major implication on the draft. In the first round, half of the picks will be held by the Liberty and Wings, including the top two overall selections respectively (both of whom could be Oregon Ducks). It also appears the transition from the Tina Charles era to the Sabrina Ionescu era is in full swing.

Hopkins will be coaching a young Liberty team that features Kia Nurse, Asia Durr, Rebecca Allen, Amanda Zahui B, Han Xu, Marine Johannes, and the picks they get in the draft. New York has been in this transition for a while with the departure of veteran talent such as Sugar Rodgers, Shavonte Zellous and Epiphanny Prince in recent years.

As for the Mystics, Charles’ deal in the Nation’s Capital is for one year, and she is entering the latter portions of her career. Still – if Washington can convince her that D.C. is the place to be for TC, the Mystics can be title contenders for the next few seasons (on top of winning it all last year).

Oh how things can change in the snap of a finger. At a pre-draft conference call, Walt Hopkins described Charles as “with the Liberty.” But reports that have come out since hint that the Charles deal with the Mystics was two months in the making – and centered her presence on a team that is ready to repeat for a title as opposed to the rebuilding Liberty.

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