On the eve of the 2025 WNBA Draft, a trade has emerged that shifts perspectives on the first round. The Chicago Sky have officially traded for the No. 11 overall pick from the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for a future first-round pick in 2026.

This trade extinguishes the rights of the Lynx to swap first-round picks with the Sky in 2026, a privilege they secured last year in another deal. Thus, the Lynx will receive the Sky’s first-round pick in 2026 outright.

“We believe the 2025 draft class is deep and we’re thrilled about gaining flexibility by acquiring an additional first-round pick this year,” stated Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca in a press release. “The No. 11 pick offers another opportunity to bolster our roster.”

Sky Gains

• No. 11 Overall Pick

The Sky have been proactive this offseason, having previously exchanged the No. 3 overall pick and a 2027 pick swap with the Washington Mystics for Ariel Atkins. They also currently hold the 10th pick from the Connecticut Sun, a product of the Marina Mabrey trade.

Pagliocca conveyed that the choice to move out of the lottery earlier in the year wasn’t influenced by the talent level in this year’s draft class.

Lynx Gains

• Sky’s 2026 First-Round Pick

For the Lynx, the rationale behind their decision is clear. Retaining nearly their entire roster from last season’s Finals appearance, opportunities for any new draft pick at No. 11 to secure a place on the team would be limited.

Now, the Lynx obtain their 2026 first-round pick with a potential lottery placement. Thus, they traded a draft asset they didn’t require in 2025 for one they will surely need in 2026.

Assessment: B+ for Lynx, B- for Sky

With Chicago acquiring a solid pick and Minnesota ensuring flexibility with their future draft choices, this trade provides benefits on both ends.