WNBA Draft trades are fairly common. An early deal was announced on Sunday, as the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx agreed to a trade.
"Minnesota and Chicago have agreed to extinguish Minnesota’s right to swap the teams’ own 2026 first-round draft picks," the Sky announced on X (formerly Twitter). "Minnesota trades its 2025 first-round draft pick (#11 overall) to Chicago in exchange for Chicago’s 2026 first-round draft pick."
Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca released a statement after the trade was announced, via the team's website.
"We believe the 2025 draft class is deep and we’re excited about the flexibility we obtain by acquiring another first-round pick this year," Pagliocca said. "The No. 11 pick represents another route to improve our roster."
One has to imagine that the Sky are interested in a specific player or two who could be selected in the late part of the first-round on Monday night. It is worth noting that Angel Reese was selected seventh overall a season ago, and she emerged as one of the best rookies in the league. The No. 11 pick could give the Sky an opportunity to add a truly impactful player.
The Sky are hoping to improve the roster in the WNBA Draft. Chicago displayed signs of potential a season ago. A late-season injury to Reese threw a curveball toward their postseason plans. The Sky have made a number of intriguing additions this offseason, however. If Angel Reese can stay healthy, Chicago could make a postseason run.
Of course, utilizing the draft will be crucial. The Sky already had the No. 10 pick, so the trade with the Lynx gives them two first-round selections.
For the Lynx, they now have an opportunity to add an extra player in 2026. Perhaps Chicago's first-round pick in 2026 will give Minnesota a chance to draft a star player. The Lynx are closer to winning now than the Sky, so this specific trade makes sense for both teams.
When is the 2025 WNBA Draft?
The 2025 WNBA Draft is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM EST on Monday night. ESPN will broadcast the event. The draft is being held in New York this year.
The 2025 WNBA Draft class features a plethora of talented players. Many teams should be able to drastically improve their rosters by selecting future stars.
The Sky are certainly hoping to accomplish that feat with their picks this year.