Sky’s Playoff Aspirations Strained by Atkins Trade Struggles

The Chicago Sky are feeling the weight of high expectations as they navigate a challenging start to the 2025 WNBA season. Acquired in a significant February trade from the Washington Mystics, veteran guard Ariel Atkins was expected to be a transformative force for the Sky. In exchange for Atkins, Chicago sent the Mystics the third overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, along with a 2027 first-round pick swap and a 2027 second-round selection.

This bold move was seen as a clear signal from the Sky’s front office: they are in win-now mode. Atkins, a WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, boasts a remarkable resume that includes two All-Star selections and five All-Defensive awards. Experts widely believed that her presence could elevate the team’s performance, but questions lingered about whether giving up a potentially franchise-changing draft pick was worth the gamble.

Fast forward to the present, and the ramifications of this trade are becoming increasingly apparent. The Sky find themselves languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a disheartening 2-5 record. To compound matters, Atkins has struggled with consistency on the court, raising concerns about her ability to meet the expectations that come with her notable accolades.

Adding to the Sky’s woes is the season-ending injury to point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who is sidelined with a torn ACL. Vandersloot’s absence has undoubtedly impacted Chicago’s ability to execute their game plan effectively, placing even greater pressure on Atkins to step up as a leader and offensive catalyst.

Meanwhile, the Mystics are reaping the rewards of their decision to draft Sonia Citron with the pick they received from the Sky. As reported by CBS Sports, Citron has quickly emerged as a standout performer, averaging 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 37.5% from beyond the arc. Her early success has put her in contention for the Rookie of the Year award, further complicating the narrative surrounding the trade.

The Sky now face a pivotal juncture in their season. With playoffs aspirations hanging in the balance, they must find a way to revitalize their performance and rediscover the team chemistry necessary for success. If Atkins can find her groove and elevate her game, there may still be hope for a turnaround. However, as the season progresses, the mounting pressure will undoubtedly challenge both her and the team’s resolve.

As both teams continue down their respective paths, the implications of this trade will be scrutinized intensely. For the Sky, the stakes are high, and the spotlight is firmly on Atkins as she navigates the tumultuous waters of expectations and performance.