The Chicago Sky recently made headlines by trading for Ariel Atkins, a move that has garnered mixed reviews from analysts. ESPN assigned a C- grade to the trade, raising questions about whether the franchise gave up too much for a player who may not significantly elevate their standing this season.
Atkins, a five-time All-Defensive honoree, brings solid credentials to the Sky. Last season, she averaged nearly 15 points per game while contributing defensively, making her a valuable addition to any roster. However, Chicago’s decision to trade the No. 3 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, along with future draft considerations, has led to skepticism about the trade’s overall value.
The team’s situation is complicated by their recent performance, finishing last season with a disappointing record. While Atkins can help fill a gap in the backcourt, questions linger about whether she can be the difference-maker needed to propel Chicago back to playoff contention. Additionally, the risk of Atkins becoming a one-year rental due to her impending free agency adds another layer of uncertainty.
On the other hand, the Washington Mystics, who received the No. 3 pick and additional assets, seem to have positioned themselves well for a rebuild. With three of the top six picks in the upcoming draft, they have the opportunity to add significant young talent to their roster. This strategic move indicates a clear commitment to developing a competitive team for the future.
Chicago Sky’s Ariel Atkins Trade Receive Mediocre C- Grade From ESPN
Chicago’s acquisition of Atkins isn’t really a winning move for the franchise. This is detailed more in an article written by Kevin Pelton for ESPN.
For a Chicago team with a void at shooting guard, Atkins is a strong fit. She can defend the opposition’s best guard, allowing Vandersloot to avoid the most difficult on-ball matchups, and her shooting helps address the Sky’s biggest weakness. Atkins’ 79 3-pointers were 23 more than any Chicago player made in 2024, and the Sky’s leader (Marina Mabrey) was traded away midseason. Atkins and Allen, a 36% career 3-point shooter, should give Reese and Cardoso more room to operate in the paint than they enjoyed last season.
The question here is what the Sky gave up. The No. 3 pick alone would have been reasonable. That’s in the same ballpark as the value in the Loyd-Plum trade, where the primary return was the Seattle Storm trading up from No. 9 to No. 2. Atkins is young enough to be part of Chicago’s core going forward, and though she can be an unrestricted free agent after this season, the Sky might have the core designation available if it remains part of the next WNBA collective bargaining agreement.
The trade also emphasizes the challenges the Sky face as they attempt to balance immediate needs with long-term goals. By acquiring a player like Atkins, they signal a desire to return to competitiveness quickly, but the cost may outweigh the benefits. The potential for future draft picks to turn into impactful players makes the decision all the more contentious.
While Chicago hopes that Atkins will enhance their roster, analysts remain skeptical about the trade’s long-term implications. The evaluation of this move will likely hinge on how it affects the team’s performance in the upcoming season and the development of the young talent they sacrificed.
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