The Washington Mystics have officially cut ties with all-star point guard Lindsey Harding, who desired a trade after the team could not agree on a long-term contract extension. Harding has been traded to the Atlanta Dream in a blockbuster trade at the 2011 WNBA Draft. The Mystics will veteran guard Kelly Miller, first-round Ta'Shia Phillips and a 2012 first-round pick. The Mystics will also surrender a 2012 second-round pick in the deal.
Phillips is the headliner of the deal for the Mystics. The Dream picked her eighth overall in Monday's draft. A 6'6'' post player from Xavier, Phillips averaged 16.1 points and 12.4 rebounds last season. Miller is declining, but played a key role in the Dream's first-round playoff upset of the Mystics last summer.
Harding, meanwhile, will be missed. Her play at point guard was one of the keys to the Mystics' first-place regular-season finish, and she was rewarded with her first all-star selection. But given the inability to come to a contract extension, this was the best resolution for all parties.