Sparks trade Rickea Jackson to Sky for Ariel Atkins in WNBA free agency splash

Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson and Chicago Sky guard Ariel Atkins are on the move.

On Sunday, the Sparks traded Jackson to the Chicago Sky in exchange for Atkins, a splash trade during this year's WNBA free agency. No draft picks were included as part of the deal.

“It’s thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson,” said Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca in a statement about his new forward. “Rickea is only going to continue to ascend, and the organization is excited to witness that growth firsthand.”

“Ariel is a proven winner and one of the most respected two-way guards in this league,” Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley said about acquiring Atkins. “She’s a champion, an elite defender and someone who understands what it takes to win in big moments. Her professionalism, competitiveness and versatility make her a perfect fit for our franchise and a key piece in our pursuit of a championship.” 

Jackson, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, spent the last two seasons in Los Angeles, where she averaged 14 points, 3.6 rebounds on 43.9% shooting. She was also on the 2024 All-WNBA Rookie team.

Atkins, an unrestricted free agent, was cored on April 7, allowing the Sky to have exclusive negotiating rights. The core designation also allowed the franchise to receive compensation back if Atkins moved on.

The new Sparks guard, who was traded to Chicago last year after seven seasons with the Washington Mystics, averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals in a Sky uniform. Before joining Chicago, Atkins also won a championship with the Mystics in 2019.