Sky acquire F Rickea Jackson from Sparks for G Ariel Atkins

Chicago also signs free agent DiJonai Carrington, re-signs Courtney Vandersloot

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or match, with overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the court.The Sky's acquisition of young talent and veteran leadership positions the team for a promising WNBA season.Chicago Today

The Chicago Sky acquired promising forward Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday in exchange for two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins. The Sky also signed free agent guard/forward DiJonai Carrington and re-signed legendary point guard Courtney Vandersloot.

Why it matters

The trade for Jackson helps the Sky fill the void left by the departure of Angel Reese, while the additions of Carrington and Vandersloot bolster the team's depth and experience as they look to build on their success from last season.

The details

Jackson, 25, was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and has averaged 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in her two seasons with the Sparks. Carrington, 28, was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player in 2024 and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Vandersloot, 37, is a five-time All-Star who has spent 13 of her 15 seasons with the Sky and ranks second in WNBA history with 2,886 career assists.

  • The trade was announced on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • Jackson was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
  • Carrington was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player in 2024.

The players

Rickea Jackson

A 25-year-old forward who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and has averaged 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in her two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Ariel Atkins

A 29-year-old guard who was a two-time All-Star and first-team All-Defensive selection with the Washington Mystics before being traded to the Chicago Sky prior to the 2025 season.

DiJonai Carrington

A 28-year-old guard/forward who was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player in 2024 and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting while with the Connecticut Sun.

Courtney Vandersloot

A 37-year-old point guard who has spent 13 of her 15 WNBA seasons with the Chicago Sky and ranks second in league history with 2,886 career assists.

Jeff Pagliocca

The general manager of the Chicago Sky who expressed excitement about acquiring Jackson and signing Carrington.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jeff Pagliocca, Chicago Sky General Manager

“We're thrilled to bring DiJonai to the Sky. She brings speed, defense, versatility and a fierce competitive spirit, and we can't wait to see her electrify Skytown.”

— Jeff Pagliocca, Chicago Sky General Manager

“I truly believe the Sky are building something special, which made it a no-brainer to sign back. Finishing last season with an injury was disappointing, but I'm eager to be back on the court.”

— Courtney Vandersloot

What’s next

The Sky will look to integrate Jackson, Carrington, and Vandersloot into their lineup as they prepare for the upcoming WNBA season and aim to build on their success from last year.

The takeaway

The Sky have made several key moves this offseason, acquiring a promising young talent in Jackson, signing a versatile veteran in Carrington, and re-signing their legendary point guard Vandersloot. These additions should help the Sky remain one of the top teams in the WNBA as they look to contend for a championship.