Ariel Atkins Traded to Chicago Sky in Major WNBA Shake-Up

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant move ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Washington Mystics have traded two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky in exchange for the No. 3 overall pick, sources confirmed to ESPN on Sunday.

Atkins, a 2019 WNBA champion with the Mystics, has had an impressive career, averaging 13.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Her departure signals the beginning of a rebuild for Washington, which recently parted ways with longtime general manager Mike Thibault and head coach Eric Thibault after a disappointing season.

“It’s a new chapter for both Ariel and our organization,” said newly appointed Mystics general manager Jamila Wideman. “We’re excited to focus on rebuilding and cultivating young talent for the future.”

In addition to the No. 3 pick, Washington will also receive a first-round pick swap in 2027 and Chicago’s second-round pick that year. With this trade, the Mystics now hold the third, fourth, and sixth selections in the upcoming draft, positioning themselves well for a strong rebuild.

“This is a big win for us. We believe Atkins will bring immediate impact and experience to our roster,” said a source within the Sky organization.

Both teams have identified a clear direction in the wake of the trade. Chicago is revamping its roster in hopes of returning to title contention after narrowly missing the postseason in 2024.

This trade comes amidst a flurry of activity in the WNBA as teams make fundamental roster changes leading up to the draft. In late January, the Los Angeles Sparks made headlines by trading their No. 2 pick to the Seattle Storm in exchange for star Kelsey Plum. Meanwhile, the Sky had previously acquired the No. 3 pick during the draft lottery.

Atkins joined the Mystics as the team’s first-round pick in 2018 and quickly became an integral part of their success. Her contributions during the team’s championship run three years ago solidified her status as a household name in the league.

Despite her individual successes, the Mystics have struggled since their championship, failing to win a playoff game since 2019. The new Wave of leadership aims to change that and address previous inconsistencies.

As the upcoming WNBA Draft approaches, the implications of Atkins’ trade will be closely watched as teams strategize their next moves in the changing landscape of the league.

The Sky, looking to enhance their playoff hopes with Atkins now on board, are also navigating other roster changes. The team recently signed a handful of new players, aiming to build a competitive squad for the 2025 season.

“This is just the start,” said Chicago head coach, who hopes to usher in a new era for the team. “Ariel provides us with the scoring and versatility we need as we chase a championship.”