WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita questioned a potential move between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Chicago Sky as the Sky looks to replace Angel Reese ahead of the 2026 season.
On Thursday, Annie Costabile reported that the Sky and the Sparks were discussing a potential trade surrounding Ariel Atkins and Rickea Jackson. DeMita discussed the move, casting doubt over Los Angeles’ strategy.
“The Sparks haven’t been great over the last two seasons,” DeMita said. “So to go from a team that didn’t make the playoffs, into a team that is going for a contender’s category … I just don’t know.”
Rickea Jackson, who was picked No. 4 in 2024, has played 78 games for Los Angeles, bringing solid two-way impact to the team. She has averaged 14.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, shooting 43.9%, including 34.7% from 3-point range.
Ariel Atkins, meanwhile, is a veteran entering her ninth season in the league. She played 34 games for Chicago in 2025, recording 13.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.6 apg and 1.6 spg.
Atkins has made three All-Defensive Teams over her career and is regarded as one of the WNBA’s premier defenders. Her skillset could prove invaluable to a team that’s contending, something DeMita claims Los Angeles might have a hard time doing.
Los Angeles missed the playoffs last season, finishing ninth with a 21-23 record. Reports of the team’s interest in Atkins have drawn mixed reactions from fans on social media, with some arguing against trading a third-year forward for an aging guard.
LA Sparks extend core offer to star guard Kelsey Plum
One player, who could perhaps move the needle for the LA Sparks, is former WNBA champion Kelsey Plum. They acquired her in a trade with the Las Vegas Aces ahead of last season. She played 43 games, averaging 19.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.
Plum is an unrestricted free agent this summer, but the Sparks, who seem determined to contend, have already begun the process of bringing her back. According to reports, Los Angeles extended Plum a qualifying core offer at the start of free agency. If she accepts, she could earn up to $1.5 million next season.
Read More: Sky Fans React to Rickea Jackson Likely Joining Chicago in Trade For Ariel Atkins
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