Sky, Angel Reese strike friendly tone ahead of preseason matchup

Former Sky star Angel Reese will return to Chicago on Wednesday in an Atlanta Dream uniform, and so far, everyone is playing nicely.

In an interview with CBS on Monday, Reese called the preseason game against the Sky an “exciting opportunity” to be back in Chicago.

“I loved my experience there,” Reese said. “It was amazing, and seeing a lot of familiar faces on Wednesday is going to be good.”

The Sky traded Reese to the Dream for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028. The move followed an awkward end to the Sky’s dismal 2025 campaign. Reese publicly called for roster improvements, then apologized, and Sky ownership suspended her for “comments detrimental to the team.”

Despite all that, Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca told reporters last week the organization had moved on and there were no hard feelings tied to the trade.

At practice Tuesday, coach Tyler Marsh praised Reese and her impact in Chicago.

“[She is] a competitor first and foremost,” Marsh said. “Someone who wants to compete nightly, who approaches the game and practice with that mindset. She’s only scratched the surface of her potential.

“She’s already made a mark in her first two years in this league. She made incredible contributions to this city and to this organization, which we’re incredibly appreciative of, and I know she’ll continue to do the same in Atlanta.”

Kamilla Cardoso and Hailey Van Lith, who played alongside Reese last season, said they’re looking forward to the matchup.

“I’m excited,” Cardoso told the Sun-Times. “I’m focused on the game. Me and Angel, we played against each other in college, so there’s nothing new. I’m happy for her. I think she’s in a great place.”

Van Lith expressed gratitude for Reese helping her transition to the pros and laughed when asked whether there would be any trash talk Wednesday.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Van Lith said. “But at that point, it’s fun and games between two people who have a history playing with each other. We both have that type of personality, and it’ll elevate both of us in the game.”