Mystics acquire Tina Charles from New York Liberty in three-team deal

The Washington Mystics have picked up Tina Charles from the New York Liberty in a three-team deal, according to a Mystics press release. The Liberty will get Mystics guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, the 12th pick in Friday night’s draft, and second and third round picks next season. New York will also get Tayler Hill and the ninth and 15th draft picks from the Dallas Wings.

Prior to the trade, the Mystics had the 12th, 24th, and 36th picks in the 2020 WNBA Draft.

It will be the second time Charles and Mike Thibault are on the same WNBA team. Thibault drafted Charles with the first pick in the 2010 when he was the coach for the Connecticut Sun and he was her coach for her first four years in the league.

In the release Coach Thibault expressed his excitement to have Charles on the team.

“It gives us a dynamic new weapon at both ends of the floor,” said Mystics General Manager and Head Coach Mike Thibault in a statement.

“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.”

The 31-year-old averaged 16.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for the Liberty last season. Charles’ illustrious career includes just about every accolade except for a WNBA championship.

Being in Washington, D.C. could be a great path to achieving that goal. The Mystics, who won the 2019 WNBA Championship, are looking to repeat.