WNBA Legend Candace Parker’s True Feelings on Chicago Sky Trade

The Los Angeles Sparks have decided to move on from Rickea Jackson and, in return, received a player with winning experience.

The Sparks, who missed the playoffs for a fifth straight season, dealt Jackson to the Chicago Sky for Ariel Atkins, a two-time All-Star who won the title in 2019 with the Washington Mystics.

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Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley hailed the acquisition of Atkins, noting the 29-year-old’s impact on the floor with her past teams.

“She’s a champion, an elite defender, and someone who understands what it takes to win in big moments,” Pebley said.

“Her professionalism, competitiveness, and versatility make her a perfect fit for our franchise and a key piece in our pursuit of a championship.”

Atkins is a solid defender, and she has averaged double digits in scoring throughout her career. But was it really the right move?

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WNBA legend Candace Parker believes Atkins will blend well with the Sparks and fulfill the team’s most urgent needs. However, Parker is not convinced that the team got equal value for Jackson; in her view, it should not have been a straight swap.

“I think Ariel Atkins fits what the Sparks are gonna do,” the Sparks legend during an appearance on the “Post Moves” podcast.

“I think Rickea Jackson is the player that you build around. She’s a straight hooper. And so, to trade her in a straight-up [player swap] with Ariel Atkins? To me — like I said, time will tell.”

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