When Nneka Ogwumike decided to return to the Los Angeles Sparks, it became pretty obvious that Azura Stevens would probably be leaving the team.
Stevens, a highly skilled forward, was a starter during the Sparks’ rebuilding phase and is now headed back to Chicago. She was part of the championship team with the Sky in 2021, but the situation in Chicago has shifted lately, making her somewhat of a returning vet.
BREAKING: Azura Stevens has agreed to a three-year contract to return to the Chicago Sky, sources tell ESPN. The 6-foot-6 forward is wrapping up his first year with the Sparks. He averaged 12.8 PPG, 38.1% 3PT, 8.0 RPG, and 2.1 APG, finishing second in MIP voting.
Azura Stevens to Chicago Sky Rating: C
First things first, Azura, don’t forget your bag. Grading this situation is tricky; it’s not really about numbers. The chaos in the Chicago Sky right now is confusing. Are they aiming to rebuild or still be competitive? Signing veterans like Skylar Diggins and Stevens while trading away Angel Reese raises some questions. There’s speculation about letting go of Ariel Atkins, who was involved in the trade for the 2025 No. 3 pick. It’s unclear what the direction is, especially after they traded a 2028 first-round pick for Jaycee Sheldon. Does that even make sense?
Currently, the Sky stands with some of the worst odds in the league. They also traded away the rights to additional first-round picks in both 2027 and 2028 to the Mystics.
This assessment focuses more on the Sky’s strategy than on Stevens as a player. She’s likely to enhance their performance and would be a valuable asset alongside Camila Cardoso. Though committing to a three-year contract may limit her earnings, it also ties her to a team undergoing further changes. Overall, it has been a peculiar offseason for the Sky, making it tough to give this move a good rating.
