Candace Parker Criticizes Sparks' Trade of Rickea Jackson

The Hall of Famer questions the team's decision to swap the young star for Ariel Atkins.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or match, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes that obscure any recognizable figures or logos, conveying the conceptual idea of a high-profile trade that has divided opinions.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes WNBA trade that sent a promising young star to a new team, leaving her former coach questioning the move.Chicago Today

Candace Parker, a former Los Angeles Sparks star who spent 13 seasons with the team, has voiced her disapproval of the Sparks' recent trade that sent 2024 No. 4 overall pick Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky in exchange for two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins. Parker believes Jackson is a player the Sparks should have built around, rather than trading her in a straight-up swap.

Why it matters

Parker's criticism carries weight as a Hall of Famer and former Sparks legend. The trade of the promising young Jackson for the established Atkins raises questions about the Sparks' long-term strategy and their ability to develop young talent.

The details

The Sparks made several high-profile moves in the recent WNBA free agency period, re-signing All-Star guard Kelsey Plum for $999,999 and perennial All-Star Nneka Ogwumike. They also re-signed All-Star forward Dearica Hamby to a three-year, fully guaranteed deal worth approximately $3.5 million. However, Parker believes the trade of Jackson, a 2024 top-4 draft pick, for Atkins does not align with the team's apparent win-now approach.

  • The Sparks traded Rickea Jackson to the Sky on Sunday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Sparks' 2026 season will open against the Aces on May 10, 2026.

The players

Candace Parker

A Hall of Famer who played the first 13 seasons of her WNBA career with the Los Angeles Sparks, winning a championship and Finals MVP in 2016.

Rickea Jackson

A 2024 No. 4 overall draft pick who was traded by the Sparks to the Sky.

Ariel Atkins

A two-time WNBA All-Star who was acquired by the Sparks in the trade with the Sky.

Kelsey Plum

An All-Star guard who the Sparks re-signed in free agency.

Nneka Ogwumike

A perennial All-Star and 2016 WNBA MVP who the Sparks re-signed in free agency.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think Ariel Atkins fits what the Sparks are gonna do. I think Rickea Jackson is the player that you build around. He's a straight hooper. And so, to trade her in a straight-up [player swap] with Ariel Atkins? To me — like I said, time will tell.”

— Candace Parker, Hall of Famer

“I like Rickea there [in Chicago], and that's somebody you want to build around. Maybe it's because of the numbers with the Sparks that they couldn't make it work, but I just think for Rickea Jackson — ugh! She's one of those players you make it work.”

— Candace Parker, Hall of Famer

What’s next

The Sparks will open their 2026 season against the Aces on May 10, 2026, as they look to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

The takeaway

Candace Parker's criticism of the Sparks' trade of Rickea Jackson highlights the team's apparent struggle to balance win-now moves with long-term development. The Sparks' offseason activity suggests a desire to contend immediately, but Parker believes they may have sacrificed a promising young player in Jackson who could have been a cornerstone for the future.