The buzz around the WNBA is electric with fans eagerly awaiting the possibility of superstar pairings that could shake things up. For the Chicago Sky, the idea of bringing in 2x WNBA champion to join their rising star, Angel Reese, seemed like the perfect match. The dynamic duo had fans thinking about what they could do on the court. But those dreams came crashing down as quickly as they had soared and everyone is left wondering what could have been.

At the heart of all this excitement sat Jewell Loyd, 6x WNBA All-Star, who made a name for herself with her three-point shooting and her clutch plays. The thought of her joining forces with Reese had Sky fans imagining championship glory. But as the saying goes, “It’s not over until it’s over” and it appears the deal that never really began may have been over before it started.

With Loyd now likely off the table, the Chicago Sky find themselves in a tough spot. They’d hoped to make a major move in free agency, but now, without the guard, they’ll need to quickly pivot and explore other options. It raises some important questions: Who will they target next to strengthen their roster? How will they manage their cap space with Loyd seemingly out of the picture?

Here’s where things get interesting. While the Sky might be out of the running for Loyd, the question now shifts to where she’ll end up. Seattle Storm guard had made it clear she’s ready to move on, but her options aren’t as open as they once seemed. Loyd earned the “core” designation from Seattle on January 14, 2025, meaning she is essentially locked into exclusive negotiating rights with the Storm. What does that mean for the Sky? 

Well, it makes the trade significantly more difficult. Chicago won’t be able to negotiate directly with Loyd, and should they pursue her, it’s likely to come at a much higher price than originally anticipated.

This development puts the Sky in an even tighter spot. They’ve lost the opportunity to acquire Loyd without going through Seattle’s hoops, and now they’ll need to explore other avenues. Fortunately, they’ve still got some tools in their arsenal. 

Will Sky prioritize playmaking and shooting to support Angel Reese?

The Sky are holding the 3rd pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, which could be used to snag a talented player, or even trade for someone to help with their backcourt. And they have cap space—about $923,625—to spend on free agents who can fill their needs. Loyd is out of the picture, but the Sky has plenty of options.

Interestingly, there are still some players out there who could be a good fit for Chicago. For the Sky to get better, they’ll have to go after free agents that can help score and create plays. Last season the team struggled offensively, finishing near the bottom of the league in offensive rating, 3 point attempts, and assist percentage. Clearly the focus should be on bringing more shooters and more experienced playmakers. Players who can do both offensively and defensively will be crucial at complementing Angel Reese’s strengths.

But it’s not just about adding new players. The Sky also need to consider their existing roster. Just as important as any new acquisition might be re-signing key players like Michaela Onyenwere and Dana Evans. So keeping these players in Chicago will certainly help the team retain that chemistry—something that will be important should the team be trying to push for the playoffs in 2025.

Ultimately, the jewel of pairing Angel Reese with Jewell Loyd might slip away, but the Chicago Sky still have a lot of chances to construct a competitive roster. They’ve got the resources, the cap space, and a strong draft position. It’s just a matter of how they use those assets to pivot and find the right players to complement their young star. 

And after all, in basketball, things can change really fast, and what looks like a setback today might turn out to be the big advantage tomorrow. The question is: Will the Sky be able to turn this challenge into a winning opportunity? Only time will tell.