WNBA Team Changes: Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks Trade Talks

It seems like team changes are afoot in the WNBA, and Angel Reese isn’t the only player on the move.

The Chicago Sky are reportedly in discussions with the Los Angeles Sparks, aiming to trade guard Ariel Atkins to LA in exchange for forward Rikea Jackson. According to reports, this deal might be confirmed soon, possibly as early as Saturday when free agency kicks off.

While nothing has been finalized yet, anticipation is building around this potential swap.

Jackson is coming off her second season in the league, where she averaged 14.7 points, shooting about 42.4% from the field. Interestingly, she managed 13.4 points in her rookie year after being selected fourth overall in 2024.

This move seems to fill the gap left by Reese, who was traded to the Atlanta Dream for future first-round picks.

I mean, Reese was an All-Star in her initial two seasons, but things got complicated. She mentioned wanting to go in a different direction if the Sky couldn’t secure a “great player.” It gives a sense of tension, doesn’t it?

Reese remarked, “I want to be here for my career, but if things don’t work out… I might have to take a different path.” It’s a bit bittersweet, really.

Finding a suitable replacement for Reese won’t be easy, especially in terms of rebounding. She led the league in rebounds per game for the past two years, averaging an impressive 12 rebounds throughout her career.

On the flip side, Atkins should bring a positive impact for the Sparks. She’s gearing up for her ninth year in the league, having spent her first seven seasons with the Washington Mystics before joining Chicago last year.

Her career averages are solid: 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Last season with the Sky, she clocked in at 13.1 points over 32 games.

It’s worth noting that both teams had challenging seasons. The Sky finished dead last with a record of 10-34, tied with the Dallas Wings for the worst in the league. In contrast, the Sparks fell just short of playoff contention, wrapping up their season at 21-23.

Maybe, just maybe, this trade could be the spark needed for a turnaround for either team.