The Chicago Sky made a franchise-shaping move Sunday, acquiring forward Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins.
The deal, first reported by ESPNâs Alexa Philippou, marks a significant pivot for Chicago as it looks to address one of the leagueâs lowest-scoring offenses.
Sky Address Major Offensive Weakness
Chicagoâs need for scoring was evident throughout the 2025 season.
The Sky averaged just 75.8 points per game â tied for last in the WNBA â and struggled to consistently generate offense, particularly from the perimeter.
Jackson immediately fills that gap.
The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 14.7 points per game in 2025 while shooting 42.4% from the field and 34.8% from 3-point range. Her ability to score at all three levels gives Chicago a dimension it lacked last season.
Rickea Jackson Brings Go-To Scoring Ability
Jacksonâs arrival signals a shift in offensive identity.
Unlike Atkins, whose strength lies on the defensive end, Jackson profiles as a primary scoring option â a role Chicago has struggled to fill since moving on from past offensive focal points.
Her versatility allows her to operate on the wing, attack off the dribble and stretch defenses with perimeter shooting.
That skill set is expected to be central to the Skyâs offensive system moving forward.
New-Look Core With Skylar Diggins, Azura Stevens
The trade is part of a broader roster overhaul.
Chicago added seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins and 2021 champion Azura Stevens in free agency, while re-signing Elizabeth Williams and Rachel Banham.
The team also acquired guard Jacy Sheldon via trade and will rely on Jackson as a key scoring piece alongside that group.
With Courtney Vandersloot recovering from a torn ACL, Diggins is expected to handle primary playmaking duties.
Cost of the Move: Defense and Experience
GettyAriel Atkins scores on a layup. The Los Angeles Sparks acquire the two-time All-Star from Chicago Sky on a blockbuster trade.
Moving Atkins is not without consequences.
Chicago traded two first-round picks to acquire her just a year ago, and she brought elite defense, leadership and championship experience.
A five-time All-Defensive selection, Atkins often handled the toughest perimeter assignments and provided stability on both ends of the floor.
Her departure leaves a defensive void that the Sky will need to address, potentially through the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Rebuild or Reset? Sky Choose Direction
GettyThe Chicago Sky recently traded star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream
The trade reflects a broader philosophical shift.
Chicago appears to be prioritizing offensive upside and roster flexibility, acquiring a young player still on a rookie contract in Jackson while reshaping its core around scoring and pace.
The Sky also accumulated future draft assets in prior moves, including a deal involving Angel Reese, signaling a long-term approach.
Big Picture: Offense Now the Priority
For a team that struggled to put points on the board, the move is a clear attempt to modernize its attack.
Jacksonâs scoring ability, combined with the additions of Diggins and Stevens, gives Chicago a chance to significantly improve its offensive output.
If that transformation materializes, the Sky could quickly move from one of the leagueâs lowest-scoring teams to a more balanced and dangerous unit in 2026.
The trade may ultimately prove to be a win-win â but for Chicago, it represents a bet that offense will define its future.
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