Sources: Mystics deal Atkins to Sky for No. 3 pick

The Washington Mystics on Sunday traded two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky in exchange for the No. 3 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.

The Mystics also receive a 2027 first-round pick swap and Chicago's second-round pick in 2027.

"We are building a program to sustain a period of contention during the next era of Mystics Basketball. Our ambitious return to prolonged excellence requires time, intention, and difficult decisions," general manager Jamila Wideman said in a release announcing the trade. "Trading Ariel, a champion and celebrated Mystic, is one of those difficult decisions."

Atkins, a 2019 WNBA champion with the Mystics and 2020 Olympian, has averaged 13.4 points and 3.0 rebounds for her career.

"Ariel has made a tremendous impact on this league since her rookie year." Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. "She is an excellent role model for her teammates and an all-star caliber contributor. As one of the league's top defensive specialists and a consistent scorer, she is a threat on both ends of the floor who will help us build a playoff-contending team in Chicago."

The move kickstarts a rebuild in D.C. after Washington parted ways with general manager Mike Thibault and coach Eric Thibault earlier this offseason.

The Mystics narrowly missed the postseason in 2024 and have not won a playoff game since their championship run in 2019. The team introduced new coach Sydney Johnson and Wideman earlier this month.

The Sky also missed the 2024 postseason but look well-positioned to return in 2025 behind a revamped roster featuring new additions Courtney Vandersloot, Kia Nurse and Rebecca Allen to play alongside star second-year players Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.