Chicago Sky nab another first-round pick in trade with the Sparks

The Chicago Sky announced late Monday that the team had acquired the eighth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft from the Los Angeles Sparks.

In exchange for the pick, the Sky are sending Julie Allemand (via sign-and-trade), the rights to Li Yueru, and their 2025 third-round pick.

Following the Kahleah Copper trade, new general manager Jeff Pagliocca has worked to restructure their future assets, particularly with draft compensation, as well as an infusion of young talent.

In addition to acquiring the Sparks’ pick, he has also recaptured the pick they originally exchanged in the four-team trade that brought Marina Mabrey to Chicago. The Sky now own the No. 3 (round one), No. 8 (round one), and No. 13 (first pick of round two) in the draft, which will be held on April 15.

“An additional first-round pick in 2024 will allow us to draft yet another valuable player and add a foundational piece to this roster,” said Pagliocca in his statement via the team’s press release.

The Sky also have a 2026 first round pick as they’ve rebuilt solid control over draft capital, having first round picks in each of the next three drafts, while also having gotten younger in doing so.

“We are continuing to build assets by securing draft capital for the upcoming years,” Pagliocca also mentioned in yesterday’s presser.

Remaining are decisions on their qualifying offers on Rebekah Gardner and Robyn Parks.

Having restricted the negotiating direction for Gardner in particular, through the qualifying offer, is what to keep an eye on. As, in having some say so in her ultimate decision, the Sky will either benefit from her addition to the roster or benefit from what they can receive in return for her.

Expect news regarding this as the Chicago Sky gain more clarity to the direction they’re headed as a franchise, executing a clear plan — in growing younger and adding draft pick compensation — in place.

This is all a part of the overarching plan, pivoting swiftly, in response to the initial misses in early free agency. Getting younger, and replenishing draft capital to be in full control of the direction they’re headed.

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