WNBA insider reacts to fans urging Chicago Sky to tank for Paige Bueckers

Chicago Sky fans seem to be embracing the idea of “punting” for Paige Bueckers, showing a willingness to sacrifice their playoff spot for a shot at the UConn Huskies guard. However, a WNBA insider highlighted the tough situation the team faces in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

In a report discussing the future of the Sky after rookie star Angel Reese’s season-ending injury, WNBA insider Julia Poe proposed several internal changes. These included giving Kamilla Cordoso a bigger role and relying more heavily on contributions from the guards with Isabelle Harrison stepping in as the starting power forward.

Can the Chicago Sky land Paige Bueckers? – Image Source: Imagn

As Poe released her report, some fans urged the team to tank for a chance at drafting Paige Bueckers, with one declaring:

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“Punt for Paige! Punt for Paige!”

In response, Poe said:

“Pick swap! Pick swap!”

Poe was referring to the pick swap the Dallas Wings acquired when they traded Marina Mabrey to the Sky. This deal gave the Wings the right to swap picks with the Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Here’s how the pick swap works: if the Sky lands a better draft position than the Wings in the lottery, the Wings can choose to activate the swap and take the better pick.

It’s impossible for the Chicago Sky’s pick to land at No. 1 in the 2025 WNBA Draft due to the pick swap deal with the Wings. However, the Sky could still acquire the top pick by trading for it with whichever team wins the lottery through a separate transaction.

While the Sky still has a chance to draft Paige Bueckers, tanking may not be the best strategy. They could still acquire her if other teams pass on her and she falls to them, but this is an unlikely scenario as Bueckers is a projected top pick.

Paige Bueckers is No. 1 in Sportskeeda’s 2025 WNBA Mock Draft

In Ben Pfeifer’s 2025 WNBA Mock Draft for Sportskeeda, Bueckers is projected as the top pick due to her elite shooting, playmaking and defensive skills.

According to Pfeifer, Bueckers is an elite, all-around initiator guard who can influence winning.

The LA Sparks, Washington Mystics, Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream are considered the top contenders for securing the first pick in the 2025 Draft.

The WNBA Draft lottery involves the four teams that miss the playoffs, with odds based on their combined record over the last two seasons.

The lottery only determines the top two picks, with the remaining two selections based on the teams’ winning percentages.