The Los Angeles Sparks traded forward Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky for two-time WNBA All-Star guard Ariel Atkins, the teams announced Sunday. No draft picks or additional assets were involved in the deal.
The Sparks landed the 29-year-old guard as they continue their push to return to the WNBA Playoffs for the first time since 2020. Atkins can provide Los Angeles with a needed defensive presence in the backcourt alongside Kelsey Plum. The Sparks posted their worst defensive rating in franchise history in 2025, but have been aggressive in attempting to upgrade their roster this offseason. L.A. has also added former MVP Nneka Ogwumike and veteran point guard Erica Wheeler, while retaining Plum and Dearica Hamby.
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In acquiring Atkins, the franchise sacrificed another young asset. Despite missing the postseason for five straight seasons, the Sparks have only one lottery pick from that stretch on the roster: Cameron Brink. And the team does not have a first-round pick in Monday’s WNBA Draft. Los Angeles controls its first-rounder in 2027 but does not appear to be positioning for a high selection.
In Chicago, Jackson will step into the Angel Reese-sized hole on the Sky’s roster less than a week after the organization traded Reese to the Atlanta Dream for a pair of future first-round picks. Jackson can fit into Chicago’s frontcourt rotation alongside Kamilla Cardoso and Azurá Stevens. The 25-year-old can also play small forward, which was her primary position in Los Angeles.
Chicago will have Jackson on her rookie contract, which is valued at about $930,000 over the next two seasons. Atkins had been the Sky’s designated core player. After the trade, she signed a three-year deal with the Sparks with an average annual value greater than $1 million per season.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, WNBA
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