Veteran guard Skylar Diggins is dealing with an unexpected role change that has disrupted the Chicago Sky’s midseason plans. Sports reporter Grant Young believes there are three destinations if Chicago decides to move Diggins before the trade deadline

The entire controversy started after Diggins signed a two-year, $1.86 million contract with the Sky, expecting to be one of Chicago's primary leaders on the floor. After veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot returned from an ACL injury recovery, the rotation shifted. 

Sky head coach Tyler Marsh moved Diggins to the bench, ending a starting streak that had lasted for more than a decade. She later told media that management told her she would "hold it down until Sloot got back," and left her with little clarity about her role. 

Because of this whole situation, a mid-season departure looks a high possibility. The trade destinations were first highlighted by Grant Young (@GrvntYoung) in an X video posted on July 12.

3. Washington Mystics

Right now, the Mystics are hovering around a .500 record at 10-10 and remain firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff race. 

However, their offense has struggled a lot with consistency. The team is averaging around 81 points per game. Diggins' playmaking and assist game would provide a much-needed boost to their offense. 

Washington has around $1.8 million in cap flexibility, which makes it a bit easier to absorb her $920,000 salary hit. Chicago might demand future draft choices or a young role player from Washington. 

2. Toronto Tempo

An expansion franchise like the Toronto Tempo is another destination that makes a lot of sense. The Tempo has exceeded early expectations this season, but has run into major injury trouble. 

Brittney Sykes is dealing with a plantar fascia injury, and rookie guard Kiki Rice is out for an extended period with an ankle sprain. Toronto sits at a 9-13 record. This team would allow Diggins to serve as a primary floor general before turning into a mentor for Rice. 

Her current contract fits into Toronto's remaining cap room and will no doubt give her a fresh start away from the Chicago drama.

1. Connecticut Sun

The Connecticut Sun rank is also on the list of potential options, as noted in the Sports Illustrated analysis. The Sun are in a rebuilding phase, sitting near the bottom of the standings with a 5-18 record. 

Connecticut scores poorly, averaging just under 80 points per game, and lacks a veteran leader to steady the offense. The Sun possesses enough cap space to take on her contract without needing a multi-team deal. 

Connecticut will surely offer her a role with clear responsibilities, which matches what Diggins wanted. 

The common thing across all three teams is a young backcourt that needs an experienced leader. Because her contract is guaranteed through the 2027 season, any team trading for her gets a long-term asset.

Diggins is averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 39.2% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range. These statistics explain why her frustration is understandable, as she is still performing at a high level despite the team's friction. 

Which jersey do you think fits her best for the rest of the season?

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha