Ariel Atkins Swap: Mystics Rebuild, Sky Reach for the Stars

The Chicago Sky hit the offseason with a clear goal: change the locker room culture and return to the playoffs.

With the aggressive moves this offseason, Pagliocca might have accomplished his mission.

No Rookies, No Problem: Trading the No. 3 Pick for a proven Star

Pagliocca had the No. 3 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft in his hands. However, the Sky traded the pick for a two-time All-Star guard and former 2019 WNBA champion. Ariel Atkins, now joins the organization after leaving the Washington Mystics. Additionally, the Mystics also received the rights to further draft capital from Chicago. Washington earned the right to swap 2027 first-round picks with Chicago, as well as acquiring the Sky’s 2027 second-round pick.

“Ariel has made a tremendous impact on this league since her rookie year. She is an excellent role model for her teammates and an all-star caliber contributor. As one of the league’s top defensive specialists and a consistent scorer, she is a threat on both ends of the floor who will help us build a playoff-contending team in Chicago.” – Jeff pagliocca

On paper, the move makes Chicago a surefire pick to compete for a playoff spot (No. 6-8 at best).

Pagliocca seemingly wasn’t impressed with the idea of adding in rookies to this team. A rookie point guard like Olivia Miles paired with Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso was not their vision. Or maybe Pagliocca didn’t feel Miles would fall to No. 3. (If she declares, there should be no way she isn’t selected No. 1 or No. 2.)

The biggest risk for Chicago is that Ariel Atkins, is an upcoming unrestricted free agent. Atkins will have the ability to sign with any team next offseason. That means they could be giving up a valuable pick for a player who might not be around long-term. Because of that, the Sky will need to win. They will have to do all they can to ensure they can get her to re-sign.

Hopefully, though, this deal was made under the premise that Atkins intends to stay beyond this season. On the flip side, if they had kept the pick, they’d have a player on a rookie-scale contract for four years, right as the new CBA kicks in—giving them cost-controlled talent at a crucial time for roster flexibility and long-term planning.

High Risk, High Reward: Why Atkins is the perfect Fit! 

However, the 5’10” Dallas, Texas native, who has spent her entire career with the Mystics franchise, should be a strong fit in Chicago, helping the team immensely.

Atkins is a dynamic, two-way guard who brings a blend of athleticism, shot-making (43.7% FG, 35.7% 3P%), and defensive toughness. She is already an All-WNBA Defensive First Team member, having made Second Team four times and First Team once, for a combined five All-Defensive Team selections.

On the perimeter, she will be tasked with taking on the toughest defensive assignments. Pairing her perimeter defense with two dominant bigs like Reese and Cardoso creates a lethal combination on both ends of the floor.

Offensively, Atkins fits in seamlessly as she can knock down perimeter shots with consistency, score in transition, and create off the dribble. Her ability to space the floor and generate her own offense adds another scoring threat, while her defensive versatility allows her to guard multiple positions. For Chicago, she brings much-needed perimeter shooting and on-ball defense, making her an immediate impact player on both ends of the floor.

It is clear that the Sky wanted a new approach, a fresh start, and a culture shift. Pagliocca made several aggressive moves this offseason, bringing in a more veteran-laden roster. Adding experienced players like Courtney Vandersloot, Kia Nurse, Rebecca Allen, and now Ariel Atkins should help the team compete at a higher level than last season. After a slightly disappointing 2024 campaign, this is a clear sign that the Sky are banking on their franchise cornerstones, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, to lead the way. The addition of veteran players will serve as key support pieces to complement them and provide the necessary experience to push Chicago back into playoff contention.

The Mystics Youth Movement begins

For the Mystics, their fire sale signals that they are fully embracing a youth movement.

The Washington Mystics’ trade of Ariel Atkins gives them the opportunity to rebuild their team through the draft. While the 2025 WNBA Draft may not have as many superstars as the 2024 class, it still boasts several highly regarded prospects, including Kiki Iriafen, Dominique Malonga, Sonia Citron, Azzi Fudd, Te-Hina Paopao, and Ajsa Sivka.

Along with these picks, the franchise already has young talent on the roster. Aaliyah Edwards, playing like a future cornerstone at just 22 years old, is a key piece of the future. They also have guard Jade Melbourne (22) and forward Sika Kone (22), who are helping lay the foundation for their rebuild.

The Mystics also secured future assets that will help their long-term plans, including the right to swap first-round picks in 2027 and a second-round pick in 2027. These moves show a clear shift toward building for the future rather than focusing on immediate contention.

As Jamila Wideman, the Mystics’ general manager, said it

 

“We are building a program to sustain a period of contention during the next era of Mystics Basketball.  Our ambitious return to prolonged excellence requires time, intention, and difficult decisions. Trading Ariel, a champion and celebrated Mystic, is one of those difficult decisions. In exchange, we are afforded another opportunity to select a young impact player at the top of the draft who can be part of our aspirational future.” – Jamila Wideman

The biggest question now is what this means for Brittney Sykes. At 31 years old and with the team clearly entering a rebuild phase, will she be the next player moved? As the Mystics pivot to the future, tough decisions are on the horizon.

A Trade of Futures: Mystics Rebuild, Sky Reach for the Stars

So far, this trade seems to benefit both franchises equally.

Theoretically, acquiring a former WNBA champion and multi-time All-Star signals that your organization has won the trade. For the Chicago Sky, landing Ariel Atkins is a huge pickup. This move positions them as a playoff contender in 2025. The Sky have built a balanced roster, combining youth and experience, making them a team to watch next season.

The biggest question, however, is how long they can keep her in their organization.

As for the Mystics, losing a beloved player like Atkins might be tough for fans, especially since she was the last link to the 2019 championship team. The team’s immediate future may involve some growing pains, but general manager Jamila Wideman is taking a long-term approach to their rebuild. With assets and draft capital, the Mystics have the ability to turn things around. They’re fully committed to a rebuild, focusing on drafting and developing young talent. With three top-six picks, they have a unique opportunity to reshape their roster.

Now, it’s about selecting the right players to build around Aaliyah Edwards.