It is a new dawn for the Chicago Sky. The Angel Reese era is over. Reshaping an entire roster around Kamilla Cardoso is now critical to ensure this trade does not return to haunt Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca. If the offseason is anything to go by, an identity is forming, and High Post Hoop's 2026 WNBA mock draft has signaled that the front office will continue to stay consistent with their acquisitions by selecting UCLA guard Kiki Rice.
The Sky have had a questionable few years in the league, in terms of performances and the business transactions they have made. Now, that is all history as the franchise has an opportunity to embark on an exciting journey, building a young core around their Brazilian center Kamilla Cardoso. With Hailey Van Lith and Ajsa Sivka already on the roster, Chicago is in discussions to add more weapons to their arsenal.
According to Annie Costabile, the Sky is in talks with the LA Sparks to exchange Ariel Atkins for Rickea Jackson. This deal is yet to be finalised, but it would highlight that Tyler Marsh's team is looking to acquire players who can space the floor and drain shots from deep consistently. Jackson recorded 34.8% from three-point range during the 2025 WNBA season.
The Chicago Sky and LA Sparks are in discussions re: a trade that would send Ariel Atkins to the Sparks for Rickea Jackson, multiple sources told me.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) April 9, 2026
While nothing is finalized, an announcement is expected Saturday.
Additionally, another former Sparks forward is joining the Sky's transformed squad for a second stint, as Azura Stevens has agreed to a three-year contract, per ESPN. Stevens averaged a career-high 12.8 rebounds and eight rebounds throughout the 2025 season. Jeff Pagliocca must now build upon this stable foundation with a draft pick that fits the blueprint they are creating.
Kiki Rice is the perfect fit for Chicago's new identity
Coming off the back of a National Championship with UCLA, Kiki Rice is ready to make an immediate impact in the WNBA -- as long as she lands in the right situation. In years past, no one would relate this to the Chicago Sky, but times are changing. Rice has already shown throughout her college career that playing in a lineup alongside a dominant center will only amplify her talents on the floor.
Despite not being renowned for her three-point shooting, Rice is an effective floor-spacer who can make an impact on both sides of the ball, while also boasting a keen eye for playmaking. In 2025, this is the exact mould of players the Sky believed they were acquiring when landing both Ariel Atkins and Courtney Vandersloot. Now, by selecting Kiki Rice, the organisation will address each area with one player.
During UCLA's championship-winning season, Rice averaged 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, while shooting 49% from the floor. These are the statistics of a player who is willing to contribute in any area that her teammates require. This will provide Chicago with some much-needed versatility in a backcourt that has lacked quality in recent years.
In the eyes of some, Kiki Rice will not move the needle for a franchise like Azzi Fudd or Olivia Miles might, but as the Chicago Sky move into a new era, they need players that fit their system while also adding experience of winning -- Kiki Rice brings all of this in abundance.