Sport Day 888
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Football
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • Tennis
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Racing
  • Golf
  • Athletics
  • MMA
  • UFC
  • F 1
  • Cycling
  • Home
  • Football
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • Tennis
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Racing
  • Golf
  • Athletics
  • MMA
  • UFC
  • F 1
  • Cycling
No Result
View All Result
Sport Day 888
No Result
View All Result

Chicago Sky land defensive ace Ariel Atkins in blockbuster trade

February 24, 2025
in Basketball
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0 0
A A
0
Home Basketball

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

What per week it has been for Ariel Atkins. First signed to an Unmatched Reduction Participant Contract on Friday, Atkins is now on her approach to the Windy Metropolis.

(Photograph by Chris Marion/NBAE through Getty Pictures)

On Sunday night, information broke throughout the WNBA world that Ariel Atkins can be traded to Chicago Sky. In return, the Washington Mystics will obtain the No. 3 general choose within the 2025 WNBA Draft. As well as, the Mystics will purchase a 2027 first-round choose swap and a 2027 second-round choose from the Sky. Underneath former head coach Eric Thibault, the Mystics missed the playoffs after two consecutive first spherical exits.

Signaling a whole rebuild, the Mystics now maintain the No. 3, No. 4, and No. 6 picks within the upcoming WNBA Draft. Washington ended final season because the No. 9 seed with a 14-26 file. With Shakira Austin approaching free company in 2026, the group will deal with growing younger skills Aaliyah Edwards and Jade Melbourne.

Earlier than Sunday, there wasn’t a pin drop from the Mystics in free company. The favorites to land UConn’s Paige Bueckers final season now have the chance to reshape the panorama of the roster.

“We thought that the belongings that we acquired within the commerce served our long-term pursuits. Our group is coming into a interval of discovery and exploration and our lens is actually one to deal with progress and growth and nurturing and competitors,” stated GM Jamila Wideman

Did the Chicago Sky Give Up Too Many Property for Ariel Atkins?

The collection of strikes would not come with out controversy. The Chicago Sky had been projected to draft a lottery choose to develop and play alongside Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Chosen No. 3 general comes with the likes of Olivia Miles, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen. The commerce got here hours after NC State shocked Notre Dame, 104-95 in double time beyond regulation.

RELATED STORY: 2025 WNBA DRAFT LOTTERY

The transfer follows a collection of front-office modifications by the Mystics. In December, the franchise employed new Normal Supervisor Jamila Wideman and Head Coach Sydney Johnson. The brand new administration signifies a brand new route. It makes one marvel, can the Mystics make extra strikes with three first-round picks? Will they make the most of them to swap up with the Wings? There are a number of enjoying playing cards within the Mystics arms proper now.

Atkins, 28, has spent the primary seven years of her profession with the Mystics. Drafted No. 7 general within the 2018 WNBA Draft by Washington, Atkins was the final member standing of the 2019 Championship group.

Ariel Atkins is a game-changer on the defensive finish for the Chicago Sky

👀A’ja Wilson lighting it up at @usabasketball coaching camp after the steal by Kahleah Copper and dime by Ariel Atkins pic.twitter.com/iFl1G4RK2O

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 3, 2024

Averaging a profession 13.4 factors, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per recreation, Atkins defensive prowess makes her probably the most distinctive within the WNBA. Named All-Defensive First Staff in 2022, Atkins can also be a four-time WNBA All-Defensive Second Staff. Ranked no. 11 in steals per recreation final season, the Texas native is the very first participant in WNBA historical past to be named all protection within the first 5 seasons.

A two-time WNBA All-Star, Atkins is moreover a 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist. Coming off the healthiest season of her profession, the previous Mystic led the group with 14.9 factors, 3.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 40 video games. The addition of Atkins will additional bolster the Sky, who ranked no. 8 in defensive ranking final yr.

Much like the Mystics, the Sky is headed in a brand new route. Falling in need of the playoffs with a 13-27 file, Chicago employed head coach Tyler Marsh in November 2024. Underneath normal supervisor Jeff Pagliocca, the Sky have stayed busy in the course of the low season to say the least. Dedicated to constructing a championship roster round Reese and Cardoso, the Sky have made a number of strikes.

In probably the most historic WNBA free company intervals, the Sky signed guards Kia Nurse and Courtney Vandersloot. As well as, Chicago acquired Rebecca Allen from the Connecticut Solar in change for Lindsay Allen.

Does Ariel Atkins Make the Chicago Sky Championship Contenders?

TRADE 🚨

The Washington Mystics commerce the contract of Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky in change for Chicago’s personal 2025 1st spherical draft choose (#3), the precise to swap the groups’ personal 2027 1st spherical draft picks, and Chicago’s personal 2027 2nd spherical draft choose.#WNBAFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/5d37hf5Rot

— WNBA (@WNBA) February 24, 2025

Undoubtedly, Atkins is a game-changer on each ends of the ground. The Mystics all-time chief in three-pointers made (397) and three-pointers tried (1,097), Atkins has a profession 36.2 three-point proportion. Her means to attain brings much-needed offensive versatility to the Sky. Nevertheless, with out Chennedy Carter, it is a full cube roll. With Reese and Cardoso nonetheless growing, is that this Sky group prepared for a championship run? Though they’ve veteran items, this lineup would not stack up towards the Liberty, Aces, Storm, Mercury, and so forth.

That is primarily an enormous danger, provided that Atkins will develop into a free agent in 2026. Whereas the Sky’s current acquisitions scream win-now mode, solely time will inform with this roster. Though the Sky may all the time core Atkins, they gave up a substantial quantity of picks for a possible one yr rental.

Total, this transfer may very well be dangerous and may need long-term penalties for the Sky. With JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo, and Milaysia Fulwiley headlining the 2027 WNBA draft class, the stakes are excessive. Whereas it is unsure if the Sky are true contenders, Atkins’ scoring means will present an enormous enhance to a group that ranked eleventh in offensive ranking final season.

Keep tuned for extra WNBA company articles. Click on right here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content material Creator, and Supervisor for Ballislife Bets. She has a deal with the Ladies’s Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane at the moment resides within the Connecticut/NYC space along with her Cat and Canine. SJ has her undergraduate diploma in Economics from the College of Connecticut.

https://twtter.com/ballislife





Source link

Tags: aceArielAtkinsBlockbusterChicagodefensivelandSkyTrade
Previous Post

Long-time Carolina Panther Shaq Thompson will be a free agent this offseason

Next Post

Emile Cairess ruled out of London Marathon

Related Posts

Who’s College Basketball’s Best In 2026?
Basketball

Who’s College Basketball’s Best In 2026?

July 27, 2025
Lakers Believed To Prefer To Let LeBron James Leave After 2025 26 Season
Basketball

Lakers Believed To Prefer To Let LeBron James Leave After 2025 26 Season

July 26, 2025
Warriors just found the perfect Jonathan Kuminga trade partner
Basketball

Warriors just found the perfect Jonathan Kuminga trade partner

July 27, 2025
Painful reality Celtics fans must let sink in after frustrating offseason
Basketball

Painful reality Celtics fans must let sink in after frustrating offseason

July 26, 2025
Damian Lillard Reflects On Time With Bucks Calls Injuries Biggest Hurdle To Championship
Basketball

Damian Lillard Reflects On Time With Bucks Calls Injuries Biggest Hurdle To Championship

July 26, 2025
Valkyries’ Kayla Thornton’s Season Ends, But Her Impact Will Last
Basketball

Valkyries’ Kayla Thornton’s Season Ends, But Her Impact Will Last

July 26, 2025
Next Post
Emile Cairess ruled out of London Marathon

Emile Cairess ruled out of London Marathon

Monday Digest: Mboko Stays Perfect in 2025

Monday Digest: Mboko Stays Perfect in 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Joe Mazzulla provides new information regarding Kristaps Porzingis’ illness

Joe Mazzulla provides new information regarding Kristaps Porzingis’ illness

May 6, 2025
Canada’s NBA MVPs: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Steve Nash

Canada’s NBA MVPs: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Steve Nash

June 19, 2025
All-New Addict RC is Scott’s Lightest Road Bike Ever, From Under 5.9kg!

All-New Addict RC is Scott’s Lightest Road Bike Ever, From Under 5.9kg!

November 27, 2024

Serie A: Cagliari vs Hellas Verona – Confirmed line-ups and live updates

December 4, 2024
3SSB Texas: 2027 Standouts!

3SSB Texas: 2027 Standouts!

May 5, 2025
Reese Hamilton – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – The Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

Reese Hamilton – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – The Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

June 17, 2025
Top 50 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

Top 50 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

July 27, 2025
Viktor Gyokeres signs for the Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres signs for the Arsenal

July 27, 2025
Seattle Seahawks training camp, Day 4: Injury news, notes, quotes, and highlights

Seattle Seahawks training camp, Day 4: Injury news, notes, quotes, and highlights

July 27, 2025
RIZIN champ Naoki Inoue’s dream fight is for the UFC belt, but he won’t call out Merab Dvalishvili

RIZIN champ Naoki Inoue’s dream fight is for the UFC belt, but he won’t call out Merab Dvalishvili

July 27, 2025
Former Celtics guard signs with Houston Rockets

Former Celtics guard signs with Houston Rockets

July 27, 2025
UFC Abu Dhabi post-fight show: Reaction to Reinier de Ridder’s razor-close win vs. Robert Whittaker

UFC Abu Dhabi post-fight show: Reaction to Reinier de Ridder’s razor-close win vs. Robert Whittaker

July 27, 2025

Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube RSS
Sport Day 888

Stay updated with Sport Day 888, your go-to platform for the latest sports news, live updates, match analysis, and in-depth coverage of your favorite games and athletes.

No Result
View All Result

CATEGORIES

  • Athletics
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Football
  • Formula 1
  • Golf
  • Hockey
  • MMA
  • NBA
  • NFL
  • Racing
  • Tennis
  • UFC
  • Uncategorized

SITEMAP

  • About Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA
  • Cookie Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2024 Sport Day 888.
Sport Day 888 is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Football
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • Tennis
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Racing
  • Golf
  • Athletics
  • MMA
  • UFC
  • F 1
  • Cycling

Copyright © 2024 Sport Day 888.
Sport Day 888 is not responsible for the content of external sites.