Stefanie Dolson agrees to sign with Mystics

The 6-foot-5 center played three seasons in Washington and was named an all-star in 2015 before being traded to the Chicago in 2017 as part of the deal for two-time MVP Elena Delle Donne. She was an all-star in 2017 and part of the Sky roster that won the 2021 WNBA championship.

Dolson signed with the Liberty in 2022 and started 36 games before being moved to a reserve role in 2023 after the New York retooled its roster and advanced to the finals.

The addition gives the Mystics a stretch-5 that could play alongside starting 6-5 center Shakira Austin and forward Myisha Hines-Allen. Dolson shot 46.2 percent from three-point range last season and has a career average of 38.7 percent from behind the arc. The first year in Chicago produced career highs in points (14.5 per game) and rebounds (5.8), while she’s averaged 8.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists for her career.

The Mystics are approaching a transition season as they tinker with the roster to provide future flexibility. They own the No. 6 pick in the 2024 draft and two first-round picks in 2025.

Mystics’ Elena Delle Donne won’t sign offer, likely to sit out season

Longtime starting point guard Natasha Cloud signed with the Phoenix Mercury in free agency and Delle Donne has declined to sign the core agreement that guaranteed her the WNBA’s maximum salary of $241,984. The seven-time all-star indicated she may sit out 2024 after a sign-and-trade never materialized. Kristi Toliver has signed a deal as an assistant coach with the Mercury, though she has not officially retired. Forward Tianna Hawkins is not expected to return.

Delle Donne’s decision could impact the final numbers for Dolson as, according to the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement, core qualifying offers have an expiration date of March 7. So, the cap space that would have been used by Delle Donne’s deal becomes free space to use for other players.

“I just want to win,” Delle Donne said after the 2023 season. “That’s truly what I care about most. It’s been my whole career, but especially coming back from all the back stuff and feeling like I’m really the strongest I’ve ever been. I’m in great shape. I feel like I have a lot more basketball to play, and I want to win.”

The Mystics have signed guard Karlie Samuelson (two-year deal), guard/forward DiDi Richards (training camp), forward Emily Engstler (training camp), guard Julie Vanloo (training camp) and center Elisa Cunane (training camp) since free agency opened. Dolson would be the 12th player under contract, not including Delle Donne.