Chicago Sky Acquire 2-Time All-Star Atkins from Washington Mystics for 2025 No. 3 Pick
Trade Details
The Chicago Sky made an offseason splash Sunday, trading for two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins from the Washington Mystics in exchange for their top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.
Terms of the Trade
The Mystics are sending Atkins to the Sky in exchange for the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, a 2027 second-round pick, and the right to swap 2027 first-round picks. A league source later confirmed the trade to WGN’s Josh Frydman.
General Manager’s Statement
“Ariel has made a tremendous impact on this league since her rookie year.” Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “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.”
About Ariel Atkins
Atkins, a left-handed shooting guard who was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, made five straight WNBA All-Defense teams to start her career—four second-team selections, one first-team. She also won an WNBA Championship with the franchise in 2019 and was selected to back-to-back All-Star teams from 2021-22 while in Washington.
Career Statistics
Atkins has averaged 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game across the entirety of her career. Last year, Atkins averaged 14.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on a 51.6 effective field goal percentage and 35.7% shooting from beyond the 3-point line.
Franchise Records
Atkins currently ranks first on the Mystics’ all-time three-pointers made (397), second in steals (313), third in points (2,914), fourth in field goals made (1,020), fifth in free throws made (477), and total minutes played (6,012).
Conclusion
The acquisition of Ariel Atkins is a significant move for the Chicago Sky, bringing a two-time All-Star and a proven defender to their roster. With her ability to score and defend at an elite level, Atkins has the potential to be a key contributor to the team’s success.
FAQs
* What did the Chicago Sky trade for Ariel Atkins?
– The Sky traded their top pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, a 2027 second-round pick, and the right to swap 2027 first-round picks for Atkins.
* How did the trade affect Ariel Atkins’ career statistics?
– Atkins has averaged 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game across her career, and last year she averaged 14.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
* What were Ariel Atkins’ accomplishments with the Washington Mystics?
– Atkins won an WNBA Championship with the Mystics in 2019 and was selected to back-to-back All-Star teams from 2021-22.
