Three of Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky Teammates Predicted to Be Traded

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 5:56 PM ET

After a rough patch that dropped them to 7-21, the Chicago Sky delivered a much-needed win on Tuesday—defeating the Washington Mystics 78-64. The victory came amid a skyline of missing stars: Angel Reese remains sidelined with a back injury, Courtney Vandersloot is out with a torn ACL, and Ariel Atkins had been absent due to a leg injury.

Atkins returned to action against Washington and contributed 15 points and five assists in 24 minutes, giving the Sky a snapshot of hope. But as the team briefly returned to form, a new report suggests that two key players could be traded before Thursday’s deadline.

Ariel Atkins, Rebecca Allen, Rachel Banham Poised For Deadline Deals

According to Cory Woodruff of USA Today, the Sky could trade Ariel Atkins, Rebecca Allen, and Rachel Banham before Thursday’s deadline. Atkins, a former All-Star and elite perimeter defender, was acquired in February in exchange for the No. 3 overall pick and draft assets. Chicago could fetch a first-round pick for Atkins, who becomes an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Her return on Tuesday marked her first game back after missing seven, and she immediately made an impact.

Ariel Atkins this season: 14.0 points, 3.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 22 games.

Rebecca Allen, who joined Chicago via a February trade from the Phoenix Mercury, offers veteran stability and floor spacing. While her stats have declined this season, her experience fits the mold of a tradeable veteran for contending teams.

Rebecca Allen this season: 6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 29 games.

With Chicago increasingly out of playoff contention, dealing these veterans could free cap space and gain future assets as the front office considers a rebuild centered around Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

Chicago Sky’s Playoff Hopes on the Line as Injuries Mount

The Sky entered the season with high hopes under new head coach Tyler Marsh. Still, their fortunes flipped following a string of injuries to key players. Following setbacks to Reese and Atkins, the Sky lost eight straight games and now sit firmly outside playoff contention. Injuries have exposed lack of depth, inconsistent shooting, and defensive breakdowns—especially in transition. Angel Reese’s absence has been felt most, as her 14.2 points and 12.6 rebounds per game have been impossible to replace.

With fewer than 15 games remaining and no realistic path to the postseason, the Sky appear ready to shift into tank mode. Trades may signal acknowledgement that next season’s rebuild—anchored by the acquisition of draft assets—has begun.

Ahead of Thursday’s deadline, Chicago will likely be at crossroads: hold veterans and hope for a spark, or pivot entirely toward preparing for the future. Atkins and Allen may become key pieces in either direction, but in the end, the Sky’s decisions in the next 48 hours will be worth keeping an eye on.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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