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The Seattle Storm’s sudden roster shakeup caught WNBA fans off guard, and no move was more surprising than Alysha Clark’s departure. The 38-year-old forward, a three-time WNBA champion, has been a fixture in Seattle’s history for years.
But now, she’s suiting up for the Washington Mystics after taking control of her own destiny. The veteran herself has finally broken her silence over the trade that shocked the basketball world.
Why Did Alysha Clark Request Her Own Trade From Seattle?
Clark says the decision was hers, a choice rooted in control, opportunity, and separating emotions from business. She has opened up about why she felt it was time to move on from the only franchise where she’d won championships. When asked if she spoke with Seattle before the trade, Clark told The Washington Post’s Kareem Copeland she requested the move herself.
“Things hadn’t worked out as they envisioned, and I told myself at 38 years old I was going to stay in control of my career,” she said.
Asked Alysha Clark if she had conversations with Seattle before the trade and she said she requested to be moved. Things hadn’t worked out as they envisioned and she told herself at 38 years old she was going to stay in control of her career. Wanted to play and be utilized.
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) August 12, 2025
Clark admitted it wasn’t easy, given her deep connection to Seattle, where she won titles in 2018 and 2020. Those championships represented the peak of her career, making this decision even more difficult. But ultimately, she said she had to “separate the emotion from business.” Her priority was simple: play meaningful minutes and be utilized to her strengths.
Clark said the decision was hard with her history with Seattle. But had to separate the emotion from business. She’s at peace and is happy.She just got to Washington this morning and is currently looking for dog sitters. https://t.co/hbquY2rWMs
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) August 12, 2025
That urgency only grew after she logged her first DNP since 2012 in recent weeks, signaling that her role was shrinking despite her experience and pedigree. For a player nearing the twilight of her career, watching from the bench instead of contributing on the court was a tipping point she couldn’t accept.
She was traded to the Mystics on August 5, 2025, and she went on to meet the team on the road before joining the squad in D.C. “I’m at peace and I’m happy,” Clark added, already beginning the process of settling into her new city, starting with the practical matter of finding a dog sitter.
How Will Clark’s Trade Impact Both the Storm and Mystics?
Clark wasn’t the only fresh face in Washington this week. The Mystics also added sophomore guard Jacy Sheldon from Connecticut, a move that fits their rebuilding strategy of blending youth with proven leadership. Clark’s championship pedigree and defensive accolades, including multiple All-Defensive team selections, are expected to help guide young talents like Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen through their development.
Meanwhile, Seattle acquired All-Star guard Brittney Sykes, who’s having a career-best season with 15.8 points per game, to boost their playoff push. But the timing of the deal raised eyebrows throughout the league. Sources say a verbal altercation in Seattle’s locker room played a role in Clark’s decision, which echoes similar internal conflicts reported last season with Jewell Loyd.
The Storm’s struggles have only amplified the trade’s intrigue. Once sitting comfortably in the league’s top five, they’ve slid to eighth after a five-game losing streak. Now, with time running out in the regular season, they’re fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.
For Clark, the move is about more than statistics. She averaged 3.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1 assist this season, but those numbers don’t capture her leadership value. The trade represents taking ownership of her final years and ensuring she goes out on her own terms. For Washington, it’s a rare blend of short-term leadership and long-term planning that could accelerate their rebuild while giving their young core a championship mentor.
