How Sky's reported Angel Reese replacement affects Caitlin Clark's Fever
The deal is said to be close.
How Sky's reported Angel Reese replacement affects Caitlin Clark's Fever originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Chicago Sky are taking their first concrete steps into a new era after trading Angel Reese.
According to Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, the Sky are locked in discussions with the Los Angeles Sparks over a one-for-one deal that would see Chicago land forward Rickea Jackson in exchange for guard Ariel Atkins. MORE: Angel Reese reportedly branded as Sky 'enemy' following blockbuster Dream trade Atkins, acquired last year from the Washington Mystics for the third overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, was extended a Core qualifying offer this week and can re-sign with the Sky on a maximum salary. But Chicago's competitive timeline was reset once again this week when the Sky dealt Reese to the Atlanta Dream for two first-round picks , and Atkins -- a two-time All-Star and a defensive stalwart -- would join a more playoff-ready squad in Los Angeles.
The Chicago Sky and LA Sparks are in discussions re: a trade that would send Ariel Atkins to the Sparks for Rickea Jackson, multiple sources told me. While nothing is finalized, an announcement is expected Saturday. — Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) April 9, 2026 Jackson, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft, is set to become the Sky's No.
1 option on offense. It would correspond with increased usage that could see her blossom into the All-Star her talent has suggested she could become. Jackson received MVP votes in 2025 after a second-half surge saw her finish the year with a 14.