The Chicago Sky have traded their No. 3 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft to the Washington Mystics for star player Ariel Atkins. As part of the deal, the Mystics will receive a 2027 first-round pick swap and the Sky’s second-round pick in 2027.
Atkins, a two-time All-Star and elite two-way player, joins the Sky along with offseason acquisitions Courtney Vandersloot, Kia Nurse, Rebecca Allen, and Angel Reese. She brings significant experience and scoring ability to the team, averaging 14.9 points per game last season.
The decision to trade away Atkins’ pick signals a desire for immediate success from the Sky, who now face increased pressure to win in 2025. The trade follows a pattern of Chicago acquiring veteran players, including Vandersloot’s recent signing.
While Atkins will undoubtedly improve the roster and provide a versatile scoring option, giving up the No. 3 pick could prove costly in the long term. The Sky will now pair Atkins with last year’s No. 6 pick, potentially hindering their chances of success in the draft class.
Source: https://www.sbnation.com/wnba/2025/2/23/24371483/chicago-sky-blockbuster-trade-ariel-atkins-washington-mystics-angel-reese-kamilla-cardoso