The Chicago Sky has made a strategic move by trading their No. 3 draft pick in the 2025 WNBA draft for Washington Mystics star Ariel Atkins. This decision, reported by ESPN’s Alexa Phillipou on Sunday, also involves the Mystics receiving a 2027 first-round pick swap and Chicago's second-round pick in 2027. This trade signifies a pivotal moment for both teams as they chart their future paths in the league.
For the Washington Mystics, parting ways with Atkins reflects a strategic decision to rebuild around a promising young core. This group is headlined by Aaliyah Edwards, who had an impressive rookie season and has further honed her skills in Unrivaled, the new professional women’s 3-on-3 basketball league. By pairing the 2025 No. 3 pick with last year’s No. 6 pick, the Mystics are positioning themselves for a strong future.
The Chicago Sky, on the other hand, are signaling an urgency to win sooner rather than later. With the acquisition of Atkins, Chicago adds to a revamped roster that already includes offseason acquisitions like Courtney Vandersloot, Kia Nurse, Rebecca Allen, and returning frontcourt players Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese.
Vandersloot, a veteran point guard, is expected to enhance the play of Reese and Cardoso. Allen, known for her three-point shooting and defense, will contribute significantly to spacing the floor. Nurse joins from the Los Angeles Sparks, bringing career averages of 9.3 points and 2.5 rebounds to the team.
Ariel Atkins, a two-time All-Star and former U.S. Olympian, is known for her elite two-way play. Last season, she averaged 14.9 points per game, with a 42.7% shooting percentage from the field and 35.7% from three-point range. Remarkably, Atkins is the first player in WNBA history to be named to an All-Defensive Team in each of her first five seasons.
Recently announced as a Unrivaled relief contract player, Atkins has also been playing for the Turkish club Fenerbahce. At 28, she is in her prime and poised to make an immediate impact on the Sky’s roster, enhancing both offense and defense. The decision to trade the No. 3 pick for Atkins underscores Chicago’s intent to prioritize winning in 2025.
While acquiring Atkins undeniably strengthens Chicago for the upcoming season, it comes at the cost of a potentially valuable draft pick. This trade-off highlights the Sky’s commitment to immediate success, although it may impact their long-term strategy. The addition of Atkins, along with other veteran players, reflects a broader pattern of the Sky’s recent roster decisions.
Ultimately, the trade is a bold move that reflects the Chicago Sky's ambition to secure a winning season in 2025. However, the decision to part with a high draft pick could have ramifications in the future, depending on how the draft class develops.
