Sky reportedly in talks to trade Ariel Atkins for Rickea Jackson

The first bit of intrigue in the post-Angel Reese era has arrived.

The Sky are in talks with the Sparks on a trade that would send Ariel Atkins to Los Angeles for guard Rickea Jackson, according to Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports.

If the report holds, the Sky would add another young building block to a team that sorely needs scoring and star potential. But they would lose a proven, two-time All-Star, and potentially more, depending on how the deal shakes out.

Start with the good news. Jackson, 25, is a dynamic up-and-coming scorer. She averaged 14.7 points per game for the Sparks last season and has the versatility to guard multiple positions.

Atkins was the Sky's best guard a year ago — and is the better defender — but she struggled to adapt to life as a primary scorer. At 29, she's also on a different timeline than Kamilla Cardoso, the Sky's best piece right now. Jackson might fit better.

The Sky did not immediately respond to a request for comment, though a source familiar with the team's thinking previously told the Sun-Times they're open to moving Atkins. The Sky designated her as a core player this week, which would allow them to execute a sign-and-trade.

It's still unclear whether Atkins wants to return or wants out — toward the end of a tumultuous 10-34 season, she told the Sun-Times she was undecided.

If the Sky are able to land Jackson in return, though, they may have something brewing.

A healthy Courtney Vandersloot running the show, an ascending Jackson and a breakout Cardoso might be fun to watch. Throw a star free agent into the mix and it's not a bad vision.

Then again, there are still plenty of ways this trade gets complicated. If the Sky have to include their No. 5 pick in the 2026 draft, the value proposition gets a lot murkier.

Consider that acquiring Atkins already cost the Sky the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft — which became Sonia Citron — plus a pick swap in 2027.

So here's how the final ledger would shake out:

The Sky get Jackson, who has another year left on her rookie contract, plus a team option for 2027.

But they could have had: the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft (Sonia Citron), the No. 5 pick in the 2026 draft (Kiki Rice and Flau'jae Johnson are possibilities), and — if they struggle again this year — a potential lottery pick in 2027, the draft class of Juju Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo and Madison Booker.

Worth noting: the Sky could have drafted Jackson themselves. In 2024, they selected Cardoso with the No. 3 pick. The Sparks took Jackson one spot later at No. 4.

However the deal shakes out, the Sky still need to add another star to be competitive in the post-Reese era. Even if Cardoso takes another leap, the only other players currently under contract are Hailey Van Lith and Maddy Westbeld. The team extended a qualifying offer to point guard Sevgi Uzun and expects Vandersloot to return.

That won't be enough. And the team knows it.

They’re planning to take big swings in free agency, according to a source, but it’s unclear what would attract a star to Chicago. The team is coming off two dismal seasons and still faces public criticism from players about its facilities.

There is a path forward: a new practice facility in Bedford Park is set to open this season, and coach Tyler Marsh is building a reputation as both a tactician and a relationship builder. But for now, it’s still more promise than proof.

Players can begin signing deals Saturday and training camp opens April 19. The draft falls in between, on April 13.