On Saturday, the Washington Mystics announced that they have claimed Betnijah Laney-Hamilton off of waivers. To makes space for her, they waived Rori Harmon. This season, Laney-Hamilton averaged 4.7 points per game for the New York Liberty, primarily in a reserve role. She was also a two-time WNBA All-Defensive Team member in 2020 and 2023, as well as an All-Star in 2021.
Laney-Hamilton also fills a crucial role for Washington: a veteran voice who was part of a championship team. In Laney-Hamilton’s
case, that was in 2024 when the Liberty won their first WNBA championship. With the Mystics in sixth place in the WNBA standings, they made no moves at the trade deadline. However, when Laney-Hamilton became available, Mystics front office boss Michael Winger found her too good to pass up.
Here is what Winger said in an article written by ESPN’s Kareem Copeland:
“We were patient at the deadline because we believe in our group and wanted to protect our team chemistry,” Mystics president Michael Winger told ESPN. “But the opportunity to add an established veteran with a wealth of experience is important for our continued development and competitiveness.
“We think she will add valuable leadership, knowledge and competence to our team.”
I feel encouraged by Winger’s remarks. The Mystics have indeed played above perceived expectations. But now that the young core of Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin are on the verge of getting the Mystics back to the playoffs for the first time in three years, it makes sense to add a true veteran voice in the locker room.
For Laney-Hamilton, she may not be able to have as large of a role as she’d like with playing time. But instead of being on a Liberty team that isn’t meeting expectations, she’s on a Mystics team that is hitting its stride. And Winger believes she could be that piece to help the Mystics take the next step.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
