Sky Extend Core Qualifying Offer to Star Player After Reese Trade

Chicago Sky look to retain value of Ariel Atkins through sign-and-trade or longer contract

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a WNBA basketball game or match into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of blue, green, and red, representing the colors of the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream.The Sky's decision to retain star guard Ariel Atkins reflects their commitment to rebuilding the team through strategic player moves and asset acquisition.Chicago Today

The Chicago Sky have extended a core qualifying offer to veteran player Ariel Atkins after trading away star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. The Sky are looking to rebuild after a disappointing 13-27 season and see Atkins as a key part of their future, though they are also considering a sign-and-trade deal to get assets in return for the two-time All-Star.

Why it matters

Atkins was one of the few bright spots for the struggling Sky last season, and retaining her talent will be crucial as the team looks to rebuild through the draft. The core qualifying offer gives the Sky control over Atkins' future, allowing them to either keep her long-term or extract value through a sign-and-trade agreement.

The details

The core qualifying offer to Atkins is a fully guaranteed one-year supermax deal worth approximately $1.4 million, placing her among the highest-paid players in the WNBA. This designation prevents Atkins from freely negotiating with other teams, ensuring the Sky either keep her or get assets in return through a structured move like a sign-and-trade. Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game last season, finishing as the team's third-leading scorer.

  • The Sky traded the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft, which became All-Star Sonia Citron, along with additional assets to acquire Atkins back in February 2025.
  • The Sky's decision to trade Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream was a long time coming, as Reese had grown increasingly discontent with the franchise in recent months.

The players

Ariel Atkins

A veteran player for the Chicago Sky who was extended a core qualifying offer after the team traded away star forward Angel Reese. Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game last season, finishing as the team's third-leading scorer.

Angel Reese

A star forward for the Chicago Sky who was traded to the Atlanta Dream. Reese had grown increasingly discontent with the franchise in recent months.

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What they’re saying

“The Sky could also negotiate a longer-term contract with Atkins (think – still an overpay, but not a supermax) to keep her in Chicago. The point is definitely to retain her value, one way or another.”

— Julia Poe

What’s next

The Sky will now need to decide whether to keep Atkins on a longer-term contract or work out a sign-and-trade deal to get assets in return for the two-time All-Star.

The takeaway

The Sky's decision to extend a core qualifying offer to Ariel Atkins shows their commitment to retaining one of the few bright spots from their disappointing 13-27 season. Whether they keep Atkins long-term or extract value through a sign-and-trade, the move highlights the team's focus on rebuilding through the draft and strategic player moves.