CHICAGO — The Washington Mystics have taken significant steps to rejuvenate their roster, trading two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky in exchange for the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft. Additionally, Washington acquired Chicago’s second-round selection for the year 2027, along with the rights to swap first-round picks in that same year.
“Our goal is to cultivate a program capable of consistently competing during the next phase of Mystics basketball. Achieving our vision of sustained success will require time, intention, and some tough choices,” stated general manager Jamila Wideman. “Parting ways with Ariel, who has been a champion and a beloved Mystic, is one of those hard choices. However, this trade allows us to potentially select a young player who can make a significant impact on our future.”
Atkins has been a key player for Washington, assisting them in reaching the playoffs five times over seven seasons since being selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2018 draft. Notably, she contributed to the Mystics winning a WNBA championship in 2019 and was the last player from that winning team still on the roster. Furthermore, she also secured an Olympic gold medal representing the United States in 2021.
For the Sky, the addition of Atkins brings valuable experience to a roster featuring emerging talents like Chennedy Carter and Angel Reese, as well as Kamilla Cardoso. The Sky had a challenging last season, finishing with a 13-27 record and failing to reach the playoffs, resulting in the dismissal of first-year coach Teresa Weatherspoon. In November, they welcomed Tyler Marsh as the new head coach to lead the team forward.
In the offseason, Chicago also re-signed seasoned player Courtney Vandersloot, who has made her mark as the franchise’s all-time leader in assists and played a crucial role in their 2021 championship victory.
Throughout her career, Atkins has achieved an impressive average of 13.4 points, 3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 steals. She led the Mystics in scoring last season with an average of 14.9 points per game. Atkins holds several records for Washington, including being the all-time leader in 3-pointers made (397), second in steals (313), and third in both points (2,914) and assists (525). Remarkably, she is the only player in WNBA history to be honored with All-Defensive team accolades in each of her first five seasons.
“Ariel has significantly influenced this league since her debut,” noted Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca. “She serves as an excellent role model for our players and is a contributor of All-Star caliber. As one of the league’s premier defensive specialists and a dependable scorer, she poses a threat on both sides of the court, which will help us build a team capable of contending for the playoffs in Chicago.”
The Mystics are undergoing transformation as they let go of coach Eric Thibault and his father, general manager Mike Thibault, following a disappointing ninth-place finish with a 14-26 record, marking their second consecutive missed playoff appearance. The organization appointed Wideman and coach Sydney Johnson in December to spearhead their rebuilding efforts.
