The Washington Mystics have reportedly added former New York Liberty wing Betnijah Laney-Hamilton after being awarded the veteran on waivers Saturday, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. The move came two days after the Liberty waived her following five seasons with the franchise. In a corresponding move, Washington parted ways with guard Rori Harmon, but the team hopes to bring her back on a developmental contract, per Philippou.
“We were patient at the deadline because we believe in our group and wanted to protect our team chemistry,” Mystics president Michael Winger said of the decision to sign Laney-Hamilton. “But the opportunity to add an established veteran with a wealth of experience is important for our continued development and competitiveness. We think she will add valuable leadership, knowledge and competence to our team.”
Laney-Hamilton, 32, entered free agency after a difficult 2026 campaign. She returned this season after missing all of 2025 while recovering from surgery to repair a torn left meniscus. Her production dropped considerably after she had been a crucial contributor for New York in previous seasons.
Laney-Hamilton appeared in 17 games for the Liberty this year and averaged 4.7 points. She began the season as a starter, making five starts, but her playing time eventually declined from around 30 minutes per game in previous seasons to 16.8 minutes before she was removed from the rotation.
The veteran was subsequently a healthy scratch for eight straight games. She had also sought “other opportunities”, according to New York head coach Chris DeMarco, and the Liberty explored a potential trade involving her $400,000 contract. However, the team could not find a deal before the trade deadline and ultimately waived her on Aug. 6.
Her final stretch in New York followed a July incident in which she was ejected after throwing a teammate’s shoe toward an opposing player. Laney-Hamilton said she was attempting to return the shoe to Jonquel Jones, who had lost it during a previous play, but the shoe struck Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey. Laney-Hamilton then missed the Liberty’s next eight games due to a coach’s decision.
Despite the difficult ending, Laney-Hamilton had played an important role in New York’s rise. She joined the Liberty in 2021 after winning the 2020 Most Improved Player award with the Atlanta Dream. She made her first All-Star team in 2021 and averaged 16.8 points that season.
Laney-Hamilton started every game of New York’s 2023 WNBA Finals appearance and again started every Finals game in 2024, when the Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx to win their first championship.
Washington entered Saturday after winning six straight games and eight of its last 10, with the team positioned in a crowded playoff race. Laney-Hamilton will now have an opportunity to regain her previous form with the Mystics.
The Washington Mystics have reportedly added former New York Liberty wing Betnijah Laney-Hamilton after being awarded the veteran on waivers Saturday, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. The move came two days after the Liberty waived her following five seasons with the franchise.