Mystics still favored for WNBA title after quiet trade deadline

Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don't make. That appears to be the thinking of Washington Mystics head coach and general manager Mike Thibault, who opted to stand pat at the WNBA trade deadline rather than tinker with one of the league's top rosters.

Thibault's conservative approach has earned the approval of oddsmakers, who have the Mystics pegged as +180 favorites to win the 2019 WNBA Championship. Washington holds a slight edge over the Las Vegas Aces at +250 and the Connecticut Sun at +300.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

Thibault’s reluctance to play "Let’s Make a Deal" can be forgiven in light of Washington’s excellent play. The Mystics have strung together three winning streaks of four games or more and rank first league-wide in field goal percentage and points per game.

Much of their offense has been courtesy of Elena Delle Donne, whose 18.8 points per game rank second in the WNBA. Now in her seventh year, the 2015 MVP has gradually increased her range every season and is hitting a career-high 45.9% of her three-point attempts in 2019.

Anigwe and Plaisance change places

The WNBA’s annual swap meet has always been light on wheeling and dealing, but this year was especially quiet. The Dallas Wings and Connecticut Sun made the only major move on Tuesday, when they exchanged veteran pivot Theresa Plaisance for rookie forward Kristine Anigwe.

The move came as a surprise to many pundits, as Connecticut selected Anigwe with the ninth pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. However, the Cal alum never managed to crack Curt Miller’s rotation and appeared lost at times during his first year in the league. She should have a chance to earn more playing time in Dallas, where the 6-16 Wings can allow her to play through her mistakes.

Plaisance should be a difference maker for Connecticut

Connecticut did well in acquiring the 6-foot-5 Plaisance, a savvy vet who should help with its playoff push. The 27-year-old is a career 35% three-pointer shooter and just one year removed from draining 47.4% of her long distance attempts.

Plaisance is just one year removed from draining 47.4% of her long distance attempts.

Plaisance is not a prolific scorer, but she spreads the court effectively on offense and protects the rim on D. Anigwe may be the better player long term, but Plaisance is the right player right now for the 16-6 Sun.

The Sun is rising

The latest odds favor Washington, but Connecticut proved Tuesday that it is in win-now mode. Jonquel Jones and Co. are 2-1 against the Mystics this season and present tremendous value at +300. Hop on their odds now before they get any longer.

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The 2019 WNBA Playoffs begin September 11. Check out BetAmerica's WNBA futures betting and get in on the action!