The Chicago Sky are swapping one Caitlin Clark rival for another, making a surprising free agency move just after trading Angel Reese.
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“Welcome to the Chi, Jacy! ” We’ve officially signed Jacy Sheldon,” posted the Chicago Sky on their Instagram handle as they took in their new guard from the Washington Mystics.
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This new signing came nearly a week later as Reese was traded off from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream on April 6, in exchange for the Dream’s first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028 (plus second-round swap rights in 2028). This marked the end of her two-season stint in Chicago and a major roster move for both franchises. Chicago stated that they sought roster balance and future draft capital, which is why they had to make the call despite Angel’s decent season.
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But now Sky will have another Caitlin Clark rival in their ranks, who they hope will produce the same level of flair as Angel did.
But it isn’t Jacy’s court skills that she is mostly known for. Sure, she can run the glass with precision ( 7.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg, and 1.9 apg), but her history with Clark is taking center stage here. Sheldon and Caitlin Clark got involved in a tussle last year in June that is still talked about even today.
For context, Sheldon, who played for the Connecticut Sun, was guarding Clark of the Indiana Fever when Jacy attempted to swat at the ball. As luck would have it, she missed it completely and hit Clark’s face, poking her in the eye in the process. Clark reciprocated with a shove, and that started a scuffle which led to Sheldon receiving a flagrant one foul, and Clark a technical.
So there’s that. Sheldon is known for being intense, and she is bringing that same heat to the “Windy City” of Chicago, but what do fans make of this development? Let’s find out.
Chicago Fans Praise Sheldon’s Defensive Skills
As Jacy is set to make her debut for the Chicago Sky, there is quite some excitement among the fans who are impressed with her defensive tactics, appreciative of the efforts she puts in to tighten her backcourt.
“Love this. She plays really good defense,” said a Chicago fan, complimenting Sheldon’s strength.
Sheldon’s defensive prowess is widely known, even though she is a fresh import on the WNBA stage. Sheldon is widely recognized for her defensive intensity, and her reputation as a relentless on-ball defender and tough competitor is what got her noticed. It’s this fiery attitude that won over the Chicago management, including GM Jeff Pagliocca, who brought her along to the Sky roster. Sheldon will now only have to keep her aggression in check and make fair challenges because no team would want another repetition of the brawl she had with Caitlin Clark
“I’ll take it!! Jacy is a good defender. Welcome to Chicago, Jacy!!” said another, seconding the sentiment
This would be Sheldon’s first time in Chicago after spending the last two years in Dallas and Connecticut. She also spent her time in the capital city of Washington, but played just two games. Chicago is relying on her because Jacy is known for her ability to pressure opposing guards, disrupt passing lanes, and force turnovers. What more can you need from a player to stifle the opposition game completely?
But while there, there were people who were positive about this arrangement; there were, as usual, naysayers too.
“For those following from home, we just traded Jaloni Cambridge or Makayla Blake’s for….Sheldon. Fire Jeff!, said a fan, clearly livid at the development they are seeing unfurl in front of them.
The prospect of the Chicago Sky taking the chance to trade for Jacy Sheldon made no sense to the fan who felt they got ripped off. Criticizing GM Jeff Pagliocca for giving up a valuable future draft pick (2028 first-rounder) instead of potentially securing top prospects like Jaloni Cambridge or Mikayla Blake. The fan felt the team sacrificed long-term talent for Sheldon, who is seen as a defensive specialist but not a star-level scorer. Mikayla Blake (27.0 ppg) and Jaloni Cambridge (23.2 ppg) could have ruffled the opposition, but Sheldon won’t have the same effect.
The fans were at their wits’ end on how this was even sanctioned to happen.
“WHY IS JEFF STILL A****, MUCH LESS EMPLOYED???,” wrote a fan who couldn’t seem to control his frustration with what went down.
It was pretty much expected for things to boil down to this level, as Pagliocca already had heat since joining back in 2023. His tenure has been marked by losing seasons, questionable trades, and unpopular moves, which have further gained publicity for the wrong reasons.
“Worst run organization in Chicago. It’s actually insane,” said another fan who was beyond distressed.
Chicago has been on a downward spiral over the last few years, losing over 60 games and winning just 23. Naturally, the fans are irate and losing patience with what to do, and they are blaming the management for any misstep.
After hitting rock bottom, a team can now only hope to move up, and that is what Jeff Pagliocca would be hoping for when he brought in Sheldon. Pagliocca has also let go of Angel Reese and made choices that are not exactly sitting well with the fans, so he can’t afford a slip-up from this point onwards. So will the infamous Caitlin Clark rival be a precursor of change for his team? Pagliocca is surely counting on it.
