What a week it's been for Ariel Atkins. First signed to an Unrivaled Relief Player Contract on Friday, Atkins is now on her way to the Windy City.
On Sunday evening, news broke across the WNBA world that Ariel Atkins would be traded to Chicago Sky. In return, the Washington Mystics will receive the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. In addition, the Mystics will acquire a 2027 first-round pick swap and a 2027 second-round pick from the Sky. Under former head coach Eric Thibault, the Mystics missed the playoffs after two consecutive first round exits.
Signaling a complete rebuild, the Mystics now hold the No. 3, No. 4, and No. 6 picks in the upcoming WNBA Draft. Washington ended last season as the No. 9 seed with a 14-26 record. With Shakira Austin approaching free agency in 2026, the team will focus on developing young talents Aaliyah Edwards and Jade Melbourne.
Before Sunday, there wasn't a pin drop from the Mystics in free agency. The favorites to land UConn's Paige Bueckers last season now have the opportunity to reshape the landscape of the roster.
"We thought that the assets that we got in the trade served our long-term interests. Our team is entering a period of discovery and exploration and our lens is certainly one to focus on growth and development and nurturing and competition," said GM Jamila Wideman
Did the Chicago Sky Give Up Too Many Assets for Ariel Atkins?
The series of moves doesn't come without controversy. The Chicago Sky were projected to draft a lottery pick to grow and play alongside Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Selected No. 3 overall comes with the likes of Olivia Miles, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen. The trade came hours after NC State shocked Notre Dame, 104-95 in double overtime.
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The move follows a series of front-office changes by the Mystics. In December, the franchise hired new General Manager Jamila Wideman and Head Coach Sydney Johnson. The new management indicates a new direction. It makes one wonder, can the Mystics make more moves with three first-round picks? Will they utilize them to swap up with the Wings? There are several playing cards in the Mystics hands right now.
Atkins, 28, has spent the first seven years of her career with the Mystics. Drafted No. 7 overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft by Washington, Atkins was the last member standing of the 2019 Championship team.
Ariel Atkins is a game-changer on the defensive end for the Chicago Sky
👀A'ja Wilson lighting it up at @usabasketball training camp after the steal by Kahleah Copper and dime by Ariel Atkins pic.twitter.com/iFl1G4RK2O
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 3, 2024
Averaging a career 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, Atkins defensive prowess makes her one of the most unique in the WNBA. Named All-Defensive First Team in 2022, Atkins is also a four-time WNBA All-Defensive Second Team. Ranked no. 11 in steals per game last season, the Texas native is the very first player in WNBA history to be named all defense in the first five seasons.
A two-time WNBA All-Star, Atkins is additionally a 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist. Coming off the healthiest season of her career, the former Mystic led the team with 14.9 points, 3.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 40 games. The addition of Atkins will further bolster the Sky, who ranked no. 8 in defensive rating last year.
Similar to the Mystics, the Sky is headed in a new direction. Falling short of the playoffs with a 13-27 record, Chicago hired head coach Tyler Marsh in November 2024. Under general manager Jeff Pagliocca, the Sky have stayed busy during the off-season to say the least. Committed to building a championship roster around Reese and Cardoso, the Sky have made multiple moves.
In one of the most historic WNBA free agency periods, the Sky signed guards Kia Nurse and Courtney Vandersloot. In addition, Chicago acquired Rebecca Allen from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for Lindsay Allen.
Does Ariel Atkins Make the Chicago Sky Championship Contenders?
TRADE 🚨
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 24, 2025
The Washington Mystics trade the contract of Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky in exchange for Chicago’s own 2025 1st round draft pick (#3), the right to swap the teams’ own 2027 1st round draft picks, and Chicago’s own 2027 2nd round draft pick.#WNBAFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/5d37hf5Rot
Undoubtedly, Atkins is a game-changer on both ends of the floor. The Mystics all-time leader in three-pointers made (397) and three-pointers attempted (1,097), Atkins has a career 36.2 three-point percentage. Her ability to score brings much-needed offensive versatility to the Sky. However, without Chennedy Carter, this is a complete dice roll. With Reese and Cardoso still developing, is this Sky team ready for a championship run? Although they have veteran pieces, this lineup doesn't stack up against the Liberty, Aces, Storm, Mercury, and so on.
This is primarily a big risk, given that Atkins will become a free agent in 2026. While the Sky's recent acquisitions scream win-now mode, only time will tell with this roster. Although the Sky could always core Atkins, they gave up a considerable amount of picks for a potential one year rental.
Overall, this move could be risky and might have long-term consequences for the Sky. With JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo, and Milaysia Fulwiley headlining the 2027 WNBA draft class, the stakes are high. While it's uncertain if the Sky are true contenders, Atkins' scoring ability will provide a big boost to a team that ranked 11th in offensive rating last season.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut.
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