Report: Sky, Sparks discuss Ariel Atkins-Rickea Jackson trade

Field Level Media|published: Thu 9th April, 12:52 2026

Sep 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) against the Phoenix Mercury during a WNBA game at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chicago Sky are in talks to trade two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins to the Los Angeles Sparks for forward Rickea Jackson, Front Office Sports reported Thursday.

Nothing has been finalized but an announcement is expected on Saturday, per the report.

Atkins, 29, averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 34 games (all starts) in her first season in Chicago in 2025.

A 2019 WNBA champion with Washington, Atkins has career averages of 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals in 251 games (246 starts) with the Mystics (2018-24) and Sky. The 2018 first-round pick (seventh overall) is a five-time All-Defensive team selection and a career 36.2% shooter from 3-point range.

Jackson, 25, averaged 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 38 games (37 starts) with the Sparks in 2025.

Drafted fourth overall by Los Angeles in 2024, Jackson made the 2024 All-Rookie team and finished ninth in the 2025 MVP voting. She has career averages of 14.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 78 games (72 starts).

The Sky already made one major trade this week, dealing two-time All-Star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for a pair of first-round picks on Monday.

--Field Level Media

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