Signing day preview: Could the Sky actually turn it around?

The Sky were supposed to be left for dead. No more Angel Reese, traded to Atlanta for future draft picks, and no clear path forward.

Just three players remain on their roster after the Reese deal — Kamilla Cardoso, Maddy Westbeld and Hailey Van Lith — none of them All-Stars.

But the rumor mill is whispering about a resurrection.

One report says seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins is in talks with the Sky.

The Sun-Times has been skeptical that Diggins will ultimately choose Chicago, as the Sky have pursued her before without success. She's arguably the top point guard on the market and likely has other suitors willing to offer a max contract.

Why would a competitor like Diggins join a team coming off back-to-back losing seasons?

But maybe she sees something in Chicago. She did grow up in South Bend, Indiana, just 90 miles southeast of the city.

For Sky fans who've had a tough week, the report is worth a little hope.

Landing Diggins could reshape the team's entire outlook. She averaged 15.5 points and 6 assists last season — a premier point guard who can elevate her teammates and close games herself. She is also a recognizable star, the kind Chicago rarely lands in free agency.

The Sky are also reportedly in talks with the Sparks to trade guard Ariel Atkins for Rickea Jackson, a dynamic scorer and the No. 4 pick in the 2024 draft.

If both moves come together, it gives the franchise a sense of direction. Suddenly there's a Diggins-Jackson-Cardoso trio to build around. If the Sky retain their No. 5 pick and draft well, that's even more momentum.

None of it will erase the loss of Reese. That trade will reverberate for years — because of her connection to fans, because of the draft capital the Sky surrendered to get her, because of what it says about the franchise's ability to develop and retain young stars.

It also doesn't fully resolve their long-term future, particularly at point guard. Diggins is 35, and Courtney Vandersloot is 37.

While many star signings were reported around the league Friday, the only Sky news was that backup center Elizabeth Williams will sign a two-year deal with the team.

Saturday is the first day free agents can ink their contracts after an extremely condensed negotiating period — and it should be more revealing.

For the Sky, consider it judgment day.

Dream free agency update

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, the Dream are locking down their core. Per ESPN, All-WNBA guard Allisha Gray is signing a three-year deal with the team.

They are also bringing back four-time All-Star Brionna Jones on a multi-year deal and Sixth Player of the Year Naz Hillmon on a three-year deal. Both will be Reese's partners in the frontcourt.

If the Dream also retain guards Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada, they'll be poised to continue their rise. The team jumped from the middle of the pack in 2023 and 2024 to a second-place regular season finish last season. Reese could help push them over the top.

Recent announcements and reports from around the league

• Kelsey Mitchell returns to the Fever

• Arike Ogunbowale returns to the Wings

• Brittney Sykes to sign with the Tempo

• Nneka Ogwumike to sign with the Sparks

• Jackie Young returns to the Aces

• Alyssa Thomas returns to the Mercury

• Natisha Hiedeman to sign with the Storm

• Jewell Loyd returns to the Aces

• Satou Sabally is leaving the Mercury