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    3 Reasons Why Rickea Jackson Fits Chicago Sky After Angel Reese’s Exit

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    The Chicago Sky have set their eyes on their next moves following the blockbuster trade that sent two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream.

    According to league insider Annie Costabile on Thursday, Chicago is in discussions with the LA Sparks for a trade headlined by forward Rickea Jackson. The deal involves eight-year veteran Ariel Atkins landing with LA.

    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. While nothing is finalized, an announcement is expected Saturday.

    Jackson, the No. 4 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, will be teammates with Kamilla Cardoso, whom Chicago drafted before her at No. 3. Here are three reasons why the 6-foot-2 wing would fit the Sky.

    Three reasons why Rickea Jackson fits the Chicago Sky after Angel Reese’s exit

    #1 Potential future All-Star

    Los Angeles Sparks v Chicago Sky - Source: Getty
    Los Angeles Sparks v Chicago Sky – Source: Getty

    Rickea Jackson could replace Angel Reese as the co-star of Kamilla Cardoso. Dubbed as the Chicago Sky’s “twin towers,” the Cardoso-Reese pairing was unsuccessful. The arrival of Jackson provides a fresh start for the team, which went 23-61 over the past two seasons.

    #2 Prioritize young players

    WNBA: MAY 30 Los Angeles Sparks at Chicago Sky - Source: Getty
    WNBA: MAY 30 Los Angeles Sparks at Chicago Sky – Source: Getty

    Chicago received two future first-round picks as part of the Reese trade earlier this week. While the Sky still has several veterans on the roster, like Courtney Vandersloot, Rebecca Allen and Rachel Banham, the recent trades may signal the franchise’s direction of prioritizing young players.

    Chicago also has the No. 5 pick of the upcoming WNBA draft. In the mock draft by ESPN analyst Michael Voepel on Wednesday, the Sky could select LSU star Flau’jae Johnson. The 5-foot-10 guard would form an exciting trio alongside Jackson and Cardoso.

    #3 Jackson could receive supermax with Chicago

    Los Angeles Sparks v Atlanta Dream - Source: Getty
    Los Angeles Sparks v Atlanta Dream – Source: Getty

    The pending trade with the Sky also benefits Jackson, as she could potentially receive a $1.4 million supermax contract. The LA Sparks could not offer Jackson that contract, as they extended a core qualifying offer to two-time WNBA champion Kelsey Plum.

    In 38 games last season, Jackson averaged 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 42.4% shooting, including 34.8% from 3-point range.

    According to league insider Annie Costabile, the Rickea Jackson trade between the Sparks and the Sky could be finalized on Saturday, when teams can officially sign free agents.