The Ariel Atkins trade to the Las Vegas Aces has shaken up the WNBA. On June 10, 2025, two- time All- Star Ariel Atkins was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Las Vegas Aces in a blockbuster deal. The Aces transferred guard Kelsey Plum, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2027 alternate-round pick to Chicago in exchange. This move significantly strengthens the Aces’ chances of winning their third successive crown, while the Sky are situating themselves for a long-term rebuild.
Breaking Down the Blockbuster Deal
According to ESPN and multiple vindicated X( formerly Twitter) sources, the trade details are as follows.
- To Aces: Ariel Atkins( G)
- To Sky Kelsey Plum( G), 2026 First-Round Pick, 2027 Alternate-Round Pick
Atkins equaled 15.2 points and 3.8 assists per game in the 2024 season. She had only joined the Sky in 2025 after a trade from the Washington Mystics. Now, she heads west again — this time to join a crown-contending canon under trainer Becky Hammon.
What Ariel Atkins Brings to Las Vegas
The Ariel Atkins trade is about further than just stats. The Aces gain a seasoned guard known for her border defense, quick scoring, and expert leadership. Joining her with A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray molds a formidable foundation that competes with the best in the WNBA.
” This is a major step forward for us,” Aces GM Natalie Williams told Record Sport.” Ariel is a two-way trouble and a proven winner.”
Atkins’s capability to shoot the three, drive the lane, and defend opposing guards fills a critical need for the Aces, especially with Plum’s departure.
What This Means for Chicago
The Sky’s end of the Ariel Atkins trade is further about the unborn structure. Kelsey Plum, a dynamic arranger who equaled 18.4 PPG in 2024, brings instant offense. Combined with two high-value draft picks, Chicago now holds pieces to reshape their canon over the coming two seasons.
Still, addict responses have been mixed. Some hail the Sky for their long-term vision. Others argue they gave up a protective stalwart in Atkins for short-term gain.
” We’re concentrated on erecting around youth and inflexibility,” Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca told WNBA Today.” Kelsey brings experience and scoring, but we’re also agitated about our unborn picks.”
Personal Insight
In my view, the Ariel Atkins trade benefits both sides if executed duly. The Aces are easily in palm-now mode, and acquiring a protective guard like Atkins aligns with that strategy. For the Sky, letting go of a premier protector is tough, but it opens doors for unborn growth.
Still, the league should be on notice if Atkins meshes well with Las Vegas’ system. However, the Sky’s bet on rebuild might not take as long as anticipated if Plum thrives in Chicago.
Final Thoughts
The Ariel Atkins trade is one of the boldest WNBA moves in recent times. It sends a clear message that Las Vegas is pushing each by for another title. Meanwhile, Chicago is leaning on youth, picks, and Plum’s scoring capability to lead a new period.
For suckers, this trade spices up the 2025 season. For judges, it’s a political chess move. Either way, both votes will be defined by how this deal unfolds.
Your Turn: Who Won the Ariel Atkins Trade
What’s your take on the Ariel Atkins trade?
Did the Aces just seal another title?
Will the Sky’s rebuild work?
👉 Drop your studies in the commentary, share with fellow suckers, and let’s hear your prognostications for the 2025 WNBA season.
@chicagosky need to fire @JeffPagliocca, trade ariel atkins for two solid bench players that can help. Go get marina mabley back if they can, sign chennedy carter asap, and maybe trade Cardoso because this was suppose to be her growth year and she is struggling under Marsh
— Sun1trust (@sun1trust) June 11, 2025
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