The Chicago Sky made two notable roster moves as the franchise continues shaping its team for the upcoming WNBA season. Chicago acquired guard Jacy Sheldon from the Washington Mystics in exchange for a 2028 first round pick while also signing free agent forward and former Sky champion Azurá Stevens.
The moves add both youth and proven experience to the roster, giving Chicago a versatile guard and a familiar frontcourt presence that helped deliver the franchise its first WNBA championship.
Sky Trade for Guard Jacy Sheldon
Chicago acquired Sheldon from Washington in exchange for a future first round pick, a move that signals the team’s belief in her long term potential.
“Jacy made an impression on us with her toughness, competitiveness and ability to compete on both ends of the court,” Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “She has proven to be a great young player who can shoot the ball and defend in this league. Jacy fits what we are looking for seamlessly.”
Sheldon was originally selected No. 5 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by Dallas and has already experienced several stops early in her professional career, playing for the Wings, Sun and Mystics.
Across her first two WNBA seasons she has averaged 6.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from three point range. Her rookie season with Dallas saw her start in 26 of her 40 appearances while averaging 5.4 points and 2.5 assists.
Sheldon showed growth during her stint with Connecticut ahead of the 2025 season. While playing for the Sun she averaged 7.5 points, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 47 percent from the field, 41.2 percent from three point range and an impressive 90 percent from the free throw line. She was later traded to Washington at the 2025 deadline where she appeared in two games before the Sky made their move to acquire her.
Before entering the WNBA, Sheldon built one of the most impressive careers in Ohio State women’s basketball history. During her five seasons with the Buckeyes she averaged 15.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game. She was named an AP All American during the 2023 to 2024 season, earned two All Big Ten selections and was named to the Big Ten All Defensive Team twice.
Sheldon also left her mark in the Ohio State record books. She finished her career as the program’s all time leader in free throw percentage at 85 percent and ranks sixth in school history in scoring with 2,024 points, fourth in steals with 250 and tenth in assists with 399.
Despite trading away a future first round selection, the Sky still hold four first round picks across the next three drafts, giving the team flexibility as they continue building their roster.
Azurá Stevens Returns to Chicago
Along with acquiring Sheldon, the Sky also reunited with a familiar face by signing forward Azurá Stevens, a key contributor to the franchise’s 2021 championship team.
“I’m truly excited to be coming home to join the Chicago Sky,” Stevens said. “This city means everything to me. The culture, the people and the passion for the game. To have the opportunity to come back to Chicago is amazing. I’m ready to get to work, embrace the moment and give everything I have.”
Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca emphasized the value Stevens brings to the roster.
“We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring back Azurá, a pivotal part of our championship team,” Pagliocca said. “Stevens brings a versatile element to our frontcourt as a shooter and shot blocker that we’re confident will pair nicely with the players we have under contract.”
Stevens previously played three seasons in Chicago from 2020 through 2022 and helped the franchise capture its first WNBA championship. During that playoff run she averaged 9.8 points and 6.9 rebounds while serving as a full time starter.
Over her time with the Sky she appeared in 78 games with 32 starts while averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. She also ranks tenth on the Sky’s all time three point percentage list at 36 percent. In 2022 she finished runner up for Sixth Player of the Year.
Following her time in Chicago, Stevens spent the past three seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks where she continued developing into one of the league’s most versatile forwards. Last season she averaged 12.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three point range. Her performance earned her a second place finish in Most Improved Player voting.
The 6 foot 6 forward was originally selected sixth overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft by Dallas. She began her professional career with the Wings before eventually being traded to Chicago.
Before entering the WNBA, Stevens starred at both Duke and Connecticut. During her time at Duke she averaged 16.2 points and 8.8 rebounds before transferring to UConn where she averaged 14.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game while leading the conference in blocks.
Her college career included two All ACC selections, one All AAC selection, All Defensive honors and an AAC Sixth Player of the Year award.
Stevens has also represented USA Basketball at multiple levels. She won gold medals with the 2015 USA Women’s U19 National Team and the 2023 USA 3×3 Pan American Games team while also earning a silver medal with the 2024 USA 3×3 AmeriCup team. She most recently played with Hive BC in the Unrivaled league where she averaged 10.8 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 35.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Chicago Adds Youth and Championship Experience
By acquiring Sheldon and bringing back Stevens, the Sky addressed both ends of the roster with players who provide different but complementary strengths. Sheldon adds youth, perimeter defense and outside shooting to the backcourt while Stevens brings length, rebounding and floor spacing to the frontcourt.
For Chicago, the moves represent a balance of developing talent and proven championship experience as the franchise looks to position itself for another competitive run.
