The Chicago Sky completed a significant roster move Sunday, obtaining forward Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for guard Ariel Atkins, according to team announcements.
Jackson, a 25-year-old talent who was selected fourth overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, compiled statistics of 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game across 78 contests (starting 72) during her two-year tenure with Los Angeles. Her scoring average increased to 14.7 points during the most recent season.
Chicago’s general manager Jeff Pagliocca expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition in an official statement: “It’s thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson. Rickea is only going to continue to ascend, and the organization is excited to witness that growth firsthand.”
The forward’s arrival addresses the roster gap left after Chicago sent Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream earlier this week.
In additional roster moves, the Sky announced they have secured free agent guard/forward DiJonai Carrington and brought back veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot.
The 28-year-old Carrington brings career statistics of 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds across 162 games (56 as a starter) with previous stops including Connecticut (2021-24), Dallas (2025), and Minnesota (2025). She contributed 9.8 points per game in 31 appearances last season split between Dallas and Minnesota. Carrington earned WNBA Most Improved Player honors and placed fourth in Defensive Player of the Year consideration in 2024 while with Connecticut.
“We’re thrilled to bring DiJonai to the Sky,” Pagliocca commented. “She brings speed, defense, versatility and a fierce competitive spirit, and we can’t wait to see her electrify Skytown.”
Vandersloot, 37, reportedly agreed to a two-year contract worth $1.5 million to rejoin Chicago while continuing her recovery from an ACL tear suffered last June. The five-time All-Star selection has played 13 of her 15 professional seasons with the Sky and holds the second-highest assist total in league history with 2,886, trailing only Hall of Fame player Sue Bird’s record of 3,234.
“I truly believe the Sky are building something special, which made it a no-brainer to sign back,” Vandersloot stated. “Finishing last season with an injury was disappointing, but I’m eager to be back on the court.”
Atkins became available for trade following Chicago’s signing of seven-time All-Star guard Skylar Diggins on Saturday.
The 29-year-old Atkins posted averages of 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 34 games for Chicago in 2025. She joined the Sky before the 2025 season after spending her initial seven professional years with Washington.
Atkins earned All-Star recognition in both 2021 and 2022. She received first-team All-Defensive honors in 2022 following four consecutive seasons as a second-team selection.
The guard played an important role on Washington’s championship team in 2019.
Throughout her career, Atkins has maintained averages of 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals across 251 games (246 starts). She shoots 36.2% from three-point distance.
