The Chicago Sky made the first big move of the WNBA offseason, trading star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream.
Reese’s relationship with the franchise took a hit late last season after an interview with Julie Poe of The Chicago Tribune in early September. She expressed her frustration with the front office, the roster and some of her teammates.
The Sky responded by suspending Reese for a half due to conduct detrimental to the team. Her last game for the team was on September 3, the same day her controversial interview was published.
Reese had 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and four steals in the Sky’s 88-64 win over the Connecticut Sun.
Sky GM Reveals Reason for Reese Trade
GettyAngel Reese is entering her third WNBA season.
In a statement released by the Sky, general manager Jeff Paglioca addressed the trade that sent shockwaves across the league.
Paglioca explained that the deal was all about balancing the team’s roster, while also allowing Reese to have an opportunity to play for a contender.
“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” Pagliocca said. “Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky.
The GM added:
“We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond. We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter.”
In 64 games across two seasons in Chicago, Reese averaged 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. She broke double-double records and led the WNBA in rebounds in her first two years. She was also a two-time WNBA All-Star.
Full Details of Reese’s Trade to Atlanta
The Sky confirmed Reese’s trade to the Dream on Monday morning. They sent Reese to Atlanta in exchange for two first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. The Sky are also sending a 2028 second-round pick swap to the Dream to complete the deal.
Reese’s departure signaled that the relationship between the two parties was beyond repair. Kamilla Cardoso becomes the primary star for the Sky, unless they want a full rebuild and get ready for a loaded 2027 WNBA draft class headlined by USC star JuJu Watkins and towering 7-foot-4 Chinese center Zhang Ziyu.
In addition to Cardoso, the Sky still have young guard Hailey Van Lith and forward Maddy Westbeld.
Reese Boosts Dream’s Contender Status
GettyRhyne Howard and Allisha Gray of the Atlanta Dream.
The Dream made the playoffs last season for the third year in a row.
However, they also suffered their third straight first-round exit, this time at the hands of the Indiana Fever.
Reese joins a loaded roster of stars, such as Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, Brittney Griner and Naz Hillmon. Howard and Hillmon are still on their rookie contracts, while the rest are going to be free agents.
But with the arrival of the former Sky star, it’s tough to see the Dream let go of Gray and Jones. Gray finished fourth in the WNBA MVP last season, while Jones averaged 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
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