After Monday’s blockbuster deal that saw Angel Reese leave Chicago, the Sky have made another big move to send Ariel Atkins to the Sparks in exchange for Rickea Jackson, the teams announced on Sunday.
Atkins is a two-time all-star and five-time all-defence selection who was cored by the Sky on April 7. As a veteran player who still has a few good seasons to give, she doesn’t fit into the rebuild the Sky have once again been forced into. Last off-season, Atkins was traded from the Mystics to the Sky in exchange for two picks, including a 2025 first-rounder that became rookie star Sonia Citron. However, Chicago’s plan to become a contender has since crumbled, making this move for Jackson a more realistic decision.
Jackson is a young forward who can start to fill the hole left by Reese and slot in well alongside centre Kamilla Cardoso. The 25-year-old is a reliable scorer whose three-point shooting is an upgrade on Reese’s offensive production. Jackson averaged 14.7 points on 42.4 per cent shooting with 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game last season.
Atkins is just the latest in a long list of additions the Sparks have made this week. She will slot in well alongside two-time champ Kelsey Plum, who reportedly took a pay cut to re-sign, three-time all-star Dearica Hamby and 10-time all-star Nneka Ogwumike who the Sparks snagged in free agency.
Jackson is the second player to leave the Sparks for the Sky in as many days as Azura Stevens will also be moving from Los Angeles to the Windy City.