Chicago Sky Trade Atkins for Rickea Jackson

The Chicago Sky continued their aggressive offseason roster overhaul on Sunday by acquiring forward Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for guard Ariel Atkins, signaling a shift toward youth and scoring potential just days after trading former star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream.

The deal marks the Sky's second major transaction in a week, as they look to rebound from back-to-back losing seasons. Jackson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, brings offensive firepower to Chicago after averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 38 games last season with the Sparks. The 23-year-old will don the No. 5 jersey, previously worn by Reese during her two-year stint with the Sky. Atkins, a two-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist whom Chicago acquired from the Washington Mystics last February, departs after one season in which she posted 13.1 points, 3.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. The trade involved no draft picks.

Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca expressed enthusiasm about the addition. "It’s thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson," Pagliocca said. "Rickea is only going to continue to ascend,...