Just days before the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Chicago Sky made a subtle but telling move – trading away their 2026 first-round pick to the Minnesota Lynx in return for the No. 11 selection in this year’s draft.
While it may seem like a short-term win, the maneuver reveals a deeper game plan.
General manager Jeff Pagliocca downplayed the strength of this year’s draft class when discussing a prior move, saying, “The decision to try to go get Ariel Atkins was an Ariel Atkins decision, not due to the strength of the draft.”
That philosophy may also apply to the team’s latest shuffle, hinting the front office isn’t putting all its stock in this year’s prospects.
A move for now – or a setup for later?
The Sky now control four picks in the 2025 draft – Nos. 10, 11, 16, and 22 – giving them plenty of ammunition. But analysts like Karli Bell, host of Courtside with Karli Bell, believe the organization may not be done dealing.
“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,” she posted on X, referring to the 10th and 11th selections.
Why focus on 2026? Because next year’s draft class is already viewed as one of the most loaded in recent memory, with future stars like Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, Flau’jae Johnson, and Raven Johnson expected to headline.
While the 2025 pool includes solid names like Hailey Van Lith and Te-Hina Paopao, it may lack the top-tier depth that teams like Chicago are chasing.
Chicago still owns valuable rights in the 2026 draft despite the trade – most notably the option to swap Phoenix’s first-round pick with Connecticut, plus two second-rounders and a third-round pick.
This year’s draft is also a reminder of past decisions. In 2023, Chicago gave up its 2024 and 2025 first-round picks in a four-team trade to acquire Marina Mabrey. That deal helped Dallas secure a prime chance at the No. 1 pick this year – and possibly Paige Bueckers.
It appears Pagliocca and the front office have learned from that move. Rather than overcommitting to a middle-tier class, the Sky are trying to retool smartly – possibly flipping their current picks or stacking for next season.
With the draft approaching, Chicago faces a choice: add role players now, or continue maneuvering for a bigger swing in 2026. Either way, the message is clear – this team is planning beyond the present.
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