In February, Chicago Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca clarified that the move to acquire Ariel Atkins was solely based on the player’s value and not because of the perceived weakness of the 2025 WNBA Draft. The franchise stirred conversation by trading away its No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft, sparking speculation among fans. However, just before draft day, the Sky made a course correction and adjusted their draft strategy, easing concerns or perhaps signaling a calculated shift in approach.
With only one first-round selection initially, the Sky made a deal with the Minnesota Lynx, acquiring the No. 11 pick in exchange for forfeiting Minnesota’s right to swap first-round picks with them in the 2026 draft. This positioned the Sky with four total picks in 2025: No. 10, 11, 16, and 22. It seemed like a strategic move to secure emerging talent, but it may not be the final configuration. There’s still uncertainty, as further moves could reshape the team’s strategy.
There is also a HUGE possibility that the Sky trade those 2 picks to move up in the draft or create more draft capital for 2026
There’s still a lot of time left before tomorrow’s draft so more moves are absolutely possible.
— Karli Bell (@KarliBell33) April 13, 2025
In the previous season, the Sky successfully traded their way into acquiring standout players Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. These decisions proved effective by season’s end. However, despite having a similar opportunity in 2025, the team’s true focus might be on the even more stacked 2026 draft class.
Karli Bell, a Chicago-based analyst and host of the Courtside with Karli Bell podcast, speculated that more changes could be coming. She hinted that the Sky could use the No. 10 and No. 11 picks as assets to either trade up in the 2025 draft or to gather more capital for the 2026 draft. There’s still time for more deals to develop before the draft officially begins.
While trading for the No. 11 pick, the Sky did give up their 2026 first-round pick. Yet, they retained a potential advantage: the right to swap Phoenix’s 2026 first-round pick with Connecticut’s. They also possess two second-round and one third-round picks in the 2026 draft, giving them flexibility.
Given the strength of the 2026 class, the smartest move could be to stockpile assets and position themselves for top-tier talent. The franchise appears determined not to repeat past missteps—specifically the 2023 trade that continues to impact their draft future.
In that 2023 deal, the Sky acquired Marina Mabrey in a four-team trade with the New York Liberty, Dallas Wings, and Phoenix Mercury. As part of the transaction, Dallas received Diamond DeShields and first-round picks from Chicago for both 2024 and 2025. Additionally, Dallas gained the right to swap 2025 first-round picks with Chicago. This deal now positions Dallas to potentially grab Paige Bueckers with a top 2025 pick—something Chicago surely regrets.
Looking ahead, the Sky are likely trying to avoid a repeat of that costly trade by keeping their options open for the 2026 draft. Despite the 2025 class featuring immediate-impact players, the overall depth isn’t considered strong. Even with picks 10 and 11, the Sky might not find a franchise-changing player. While names like Hailey Van Lith and Te-Hina Paopao are available, Chicago may be aiming higher.
Now the team must weigh their current assets—four picks in both 2025 and 2026—and decide whether to build through this draft or use those assets to gain higher picks for next year. With potential stars like Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, Flau’jae Johnson, and Raven Johnson headlining the 2026 class, Chicago may choose to make bold moves.
In the end, it will be up to Pagliocca and the front office to determine whether to leverage their current picks for long-term gain or commit to building a competitive rookie class in 2025. Either way, all eyes will be on the Sky as draft day approaches.