Mystics match Tempo offer sheet to Shakira Austin

The Washington Mystics have a bright future ahead of them, and they showed that last season with the young players they had. Shakira Austin was a part of that core group, and she showed last season after coming back from injury that she could help the team become something special.

The Mystics must have believed that as well, which is why they recently matched the offer sheet the Toronto Tempo signed her to, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.

“Breaking: Restricted free agent Shakira Austin is returning to the Washington Mystics on a three-year deal, sources told ESPN. Austin, the AP Comeback POY, signed an offer sheet with the Toronto Tempo worth $3.57M, but Washington matched it to retain one of its young stars,” Philippou wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Austin averaged 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds last season, and there’s no surprise that the Tempo were interested in adding her to a group with Brittney Sykes and Marina Mabrey. Unfortunately for them, the Mystics had to bring back one of their key players, and the hope is that they can be more competitive this season.

The Mystics finished 16-28 last season, but there were good things to take away from the year, such as the play from rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. If those two can continue their strong play heading into their second season, the Mystics could take a jump this upcoming year.

It’s good news that Austin is returning as well, and she’ll be able to build on the season that she had as well.

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