With the 2026 WNBA season approaching, several franchises made major trades, but the most notable team was the Chicago Sky, which was at the center of multiple deals.
The biggest move of the offseason was when Chicago’s Angel Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028. Reese, a two-time WNBA All-Star and the league’s leader in rebounds, is one of the young stars known for her rebounding ability, intensity and physicality in the paint. Adding Reese could be transformational for Atlanta.
The Dream already features strong perimeter talent, but adding Reese gives them a dominant interior presence they did not have. Reese’s rebounding alone can generate extra possessions while giving Atlanta more toughness near the rim.
However, for Chicago, losing Reese is enormous. She was not only one of their most productive players but also a central face of the team, bringing in lots of fans.
“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,” Dream general manager Dan Padover said in a statement. “She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production, and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision.”
Just days later, the Sky made another move by trading WNBA champion and two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Rickea Jackson.
Atkins, one of the league’s most respected veterans, is one of the 11 players all-time with at least 3,000 points, 600 assists, 350 steals and 100 blocks.
This trade is a major win for the Sparks. Atkins, an elite two-way guard, brings lockdown defense, reliable shooting and experience to a team looking to make itself a playoff contender. With her presence, Atkins can provide defense while leading a young roster.
“I’m super excited for this next chapter with the Los Angeles Sparks,” Atkins said in a press release. “From the culture to the vision, everything about this opportunity felt right. I can’t wait to get on the court, bring my energy, and be a part of something special.”
For Chicago, trading Atkins means losing another pillar of stability. But young and versatile Jackson’s addition to the team becomes even more valuable to Chicago. She could quickly become one of Chicago’s primary offensive options, giving the Sky a player who can develop into a star. Chicago’s roster makeover continued, acquiring from the Washington Mystics in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick. Jacy Sheldon is a tough guard known for her defensive intensity and competitive edge.
For the Sky, this move adds another young player to their arsenal and, with Jackson, shifts the focus toward building a younger, more defensive team. Sheldon’s defense and improving offense should give Chicago a strong backcourt piece to develop in the future. For the Mystics, losing Sheldon removes a promising, growing player, but it may not cause a heavy shift because of their strong guard depth
“Jacy made an impression on us with her toughness, competitiveness, and ability to compete on both ends of the court,” general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. “She has proven to be a great young player who can shoot the ball and defend in this league. Jacy fits what we are looking for seamlessly.”
Chicago may struggle this season, but their aggressive offseason moves show its commitment to building for the future. If these young additions develop and the Sky draft wisely, this rebuild could pay off in the following seasons.
