WNBA Star Receives Salary News After Getting Traded

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WNBA Star Receives Salary News After Getting Traded originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The WNBA midseason trade window is heating up, with teams across the league making aggressive moves to strengthen their rosters before the deadline. On Tuesday, the Washington Mystics and Seattle Storm completed one of the most notable deals so far—swapping talent and assets in a trade that sent veteran forward Alysha Clark back to the nation’s capital.

Clark, now 38, is nearing the twilight of her career but remains a valued presence around the league. This season, she played a limited but steady role in Seattle, averaging 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds over 27 appearances. While her statistical output has declined, her leadership, championship pedigree, and solid defense still hold weight.

Aside from switching teams, Clark’s return to Washington also guarantees her a bump in salary.

Seattle Storm forward Alysha Clark (32) and Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5)© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Inside the Washington Mystics-Seattle Storm Trade

The Mystics acquired Clark, Zia Cooke, and a 2026 first-round pick in exchange for All-Star guard Brittney Sykes. The deal gave Seattle another elite two-way player for their postseason push, while Washington added future assets and veteran experience as part of a broader rebuild.

As part of the transaction, Clark also received a small financial bonus thanks to a clause in her contract. The WNBA allows for a trade bonus worth up to 10% of the remaining salary owed to a player, and Clark qualified for the maximum. Her salary for the season increased from $185,000 to $190,908—a modest bump, but one that matters in a league where veteran maximum salaries top out just above $200,000.

Trade bonuses remain relatively rare in the WNBA, where salaries are capped at a lower level than in other professional leagues. But for veterans like Clark, every additional dollar matters—especially as they navigate the final years of their careers.

Alysha Clark’s Career Earnings and Legacy

Across 13 WNBA seasons, Alysha Clark has built a career defined by winning, longevity, and professionalism. Per data from Sportrac, her career earnings are estimated at just over $660,000 (excluding her 2025 salary), spread across stints with the Storm, Mystics, and Las Vegas Aces. She rejoined Seattle on a one-year deal this season worth $185,000 before the trade.

Her resume includes three WNBA titles (2018, 2020, 2023), multiple All-Defensive Team honors, WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award in 2023, and a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable veterans.

As Washington resets with an eye toward the future, Clark’s experience and locker room presence could play a key role in mentoring young talent and maintaining competitive standards on and off the court. Clark could begin her second stint with the Mystics when they visit the Minnesota Lynx on Friday.

Related: WNBA Rookie Makes History Against Indiana Fever

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.

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