Sky acquire 2-time All-Star Atkins from Mystics

The Chicago Sky acquired two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins from the Washington Mystics for the No. 3 overall pick in this year's WNBA draft, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and a 2027 second-rounder, the Sky announced Sunday.

"Ariel has made a tremendous impact on this league since her rookie year." Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. "She is an excellent role model for her teammates and an all-star caliber contributor.

"As one of the league's top defensive specialists and a consistent scorer, she is a threat on both ends of the floor who will help us build a playoff-contending team in Chicago."

Atkins has spent her entire seven-year career in the nation's capital, earning five WNBA All-Defensive team nods and WNBA All-Rookie team honors. She averaged 14.9 points, 3.4 boards, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals across 40 appearances last season.

Atkins was a key member of the Mystics' maiden championship team in 2019. She gives the Sky another veteran backcourt option and more outside shooting alongside their young core of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

Chicago made a league-worst 4.8 threes per contest last season.

Meanwhile, Washington gets a head start on its rebuild. The Mystics now have the Nos. 3, 4, and 6 selections in the upcoming draft.

"It's a great time if your plan is to draft, develop, nurture, and compete," Mystics general manager Jamila Wideman told ESPN's Alexa Philippou and Kendra Andrews. "The future of this game is bright. A lot of those lights are shining right now in college, certainly ... you have to position yourself to become a destination for the best talent the game has to offer.

"We felt like this year and this year's draft was a tool we could use to do that. As we look forward, we believe the same is true for upcoming drafts as well."