It's never too early to start thinking about the future, especially when it comes to the WNBA draft. The 2025 WNBA draft is already generating buzz with plenty of star talent, most notably UConn standout Paige Bueckers. The prospect of Bueckers joining forces with Angel Reese on the Chicago Sky has fans excited, imagining a dream pairing that could dominate the league.
However, this exciting scenario is highly unlikely to materialize due to a significant hurdle, as highlighted by Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. Poe points out that "Chicago Sky fans shouldn’t get ahead of themselves. The option is out of the question without a blockbuster trade...But they won’t be the winners in the Bueckers sweepstakes because of the dregs of a 2023 trade to acquire shooting guard Marina Mabrey. Then-coach and general manager James Wade decimated the Sky’s draft stock when he traded for Mabrey last spring, giving away four picks, including first-rounders in 2023 and 2024. But the trade also included a first-round pick swap with the Dallas Wings in 2025, which will prevent the Sky from landing the No. 1 pick regardless of how they finish this season."
This significant trade essentially depleted the Sky's draft assets, leaving them without a clear path to securing the top pick in the 2025 draft. Even if the Sky were projected to have the top pick, it would still go to the Dallas Wings due to the pick swap agreement. As a result, the dream of pairing Bueckers with Reese in Chicago is nearly impossible under the current circumstances, unless a major trade occurs after the draft order is established.
Bueckers has been a standout performer at UConn, averaging 21 points per game, along with 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists, while shooting an impressive 41.8% from beyond the arc last season. Her exceptional skills and high basketball IQ make her a surefire first pick in the upcoming draft.
The Sky's current predicament is a direct consequence of their previous trade decisions. The trade for Marina Mabrey, which was aimed at bolstering their immediate roster, came at the cost of their future draft prospects. The move, orchestrated by then-coach and general manager James Wade, involved trading away four picks, including crucial first-rounders in both 2023 and 2024, and a first-round pick swap with the Dallas Wings in 2025. This aggressive strategy left the Sky in a challenging position, unable to compete for top draft talent without significant maneuvering.
Chicago Sky fans who were hopeful for a Reese-Bueckers tandem will need to temper their expectations. The team’s current standing and future draft limitations mean that landing the No. 1 pick is virtually out of reach unless a blockbuster trade can be arranged. As the Sky continue their season, currently holding a 5-9 record following an 83-72 victory over the Dallas Wings, their focus will likely remain on maximizing the potential of their existing roster and looking for other strategic moves to improve the team.
In conclusion, while the idea of seeing Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers together on the Chicago Sky is tantalizing, the reality of the situation makes it an unlikely prospect. The fallout from previous trades has significantly hampered the Sky’s ability to secure top draft picks, making the dream pairing a distant possibility. Fans and the organization alike will need to look for alternative strategies to build a competitive team moving forward.
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