Just a few days after the Chicago Sky pulled off a blockbuster move by trading Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, they’re already back in the spotlight with another potential deal. This time, the Sky could be looking to fill Reese’s spot by bringing in a promising young forward from the LA Sparks.
According to Annie Costabile, Chicago is in talks to acquire Rickea Jackson from Los Angeles in exchange for Ariel Atkins.
“The Chicago Sky and LA Sparks are in discussions re: a trade that would send Ariel Atkins to the Sparks for Rickea Jackson, multiple sources told me. While nothing is finalized, an announcement is expected Saturday,” Costabile wrote on X.
The possibility of this trade has sparked a wave of reactions from fans across social media.
“You do this after the Angel trade?? Rickea would’ve been great with Angel,” @tgosswein25 said.
“Huge mistake by the Sparks if they get rid of Rickea. SMH,” @NickHamilton213 wrote.
“Rickea Jackson will give sky more than angel Reese ever did btw 💯,” @HavenHoops1 said.
“Sparks trading they 2nd Best Player for “Ariel”,” @JalenWynn said.
“Rickea doesn’t deserve this 😭 they banishing her to the shadow realm lol,” @DuncOnDemand said.
On paper, the deal has some logic for both teams. Chicago would essentially be swapping Reese for Jackson, who brings similar scoring production. Both players averaged 14.7 points per game last season, making Jackson a like-for-like replacement on offense.
For the Sparks, the move could help balance their roster. With Cameron Brink already at the forward position, adding Atkins would strengthen the backcourt and potentially create a strong pairing alongside Kelsey Plum.
Sky in talks to add veteran guard following Angel Reese’s trade and Atkins’ potential departure
The Chicago Sky could be heading into a major reset, following the trading of Angel Reese.
After reports suggested Chicago is open to trading Ariel Atkins in a deal that would bring Rickea Jackson over from the LA Sparks, the team now appears focused on filling the role that would be vacant in the backcourt. According to recent reports, Skylar Diggins has emerged as a top target.
“Sky are in conversations with Skylar Diggins, per @robertawbb,” @UnderdogWNBA wrote on X.
Diggins brings plenty of experience and production, with averages of 16.4 points and 5.3 assists per game across 11 seasons. She also showed this past season that she can still perform at an All-Star level, making her a strong candidate to take on a primary offensive role in Chicago.
If these moves come together, the Sky would be reshaping their core in a big way. With Angel Reese already moved and Atkins possibly on the way out, the team could shift from a group built around Reese, Atkins, and Camilla Cardoso to a new trio of Diggins, Jackson, and Cardoso.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
