The Washington Mystics have added a proven veteran to their roster, claiming Betnijah Laney-Hamilton off waivers just days after she was released by the New York Liberty.
The move gives Washington one of the league’s most respected two-way veterans as the team continues its push toward the postseason. To make room on the roster, the Mystics waived rookie guard Rori Harmon.
Laney-Hamilton spent the past several seasons with the Liberty, helping New York capture the 2024 WNBA championship while serving as one of the team’s top perimeter defenders and veteran leaders. Before arriving in New York, she enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Atlanta Dream in 2020, earning WNBA Most Improved Player honors, and followed that with an All-Star season in 2021 with the Liberty.
This season, Laney-Hamilton appeared in 17 games for New York, making five starts and averaging 4.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Over her 10-year WNBA career, she has averaged 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while building a reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders.
For Washington, the addition is about more than statistics. Laney-Hamilton brings championship experience, defensive versatility, and the ability to contribute in multiple roles, whether as a starter or coming off the bench. Her veteran presence could prove valuable for a Mystics squad looking to solidify its rotation during the final stretch of the regular season.
The transaction comes less than a week after the Liberty waived Laney-Hamilton, ending a successful chapter that included a WNBA championship and multiple deep playoff runs. Now, she’ll have an opportunity to make an immediate impact with a division rival.
It remains to be seen when Laney-Hamilton will make her Mystics debut, but Washington has added a player with an extensive résumé that includes a WNBA championship, an All-Star selection, WNBA Most Improved Player honors, and multiple All-Defensive Team selections.
With the postseason approaching, the Mystics are betting that championship experience can make the difference.
