The Atlanta Dream acquired two-time All-Star forward Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky in a Monday trade that sent shockwaves through the WNBA.
Chicago will receive Atlanta’s first-round draft selections for both 2027 and 2028, plus the ability to exchange second-round picks in 2028 as part of the deal.
The 23-year-old Reese has dominated the boards during her brief professional career, topping the WNBA in rebounds for two consecutive seasons with averages of 13.1 per game in 2024 and 12.6 in her rookie year. Both figures represent the highest single-season totals in league history.
Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca addressed the move in an official statement, saying: “This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties. Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. 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,” Pagliocca added.
Throughout her 64 career games, Reese has accumulated 49 double-doubles while maintaining averages of 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per contest.
Reese expressed enthusiasm about joining her new team, stating: “I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization. I’m focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I’ve got to the Dream.”
The Dream posted a franchise-best 30-14 record last season, making them an attractive destination for the former LSU standout who was selected seventh overall in the 2024 draft.
Dream general manager Dan Padover praised the acquisition, commenting: “Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta. She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision. This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans.”
The trade comes after Reese voiced dissatisfaction with Chicago’s direction following their disappointing 10-34 season.
In September comments to the Chicago Tribune, Reese said: “I’m not settling for the same s–t we did this year. We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best.”
“… I’d like to be here for my career, but if things don’t pan out, obviously I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me. But while I am here, I’m going to try to stay open-minded about what I have here and maximize that as much as I can,” she continued.
Those remarks resulted in Chicago suspending Reese for half of their September 7th game for conduct considered “detrimental to the team.” She ultimately missed the season’s final four contests with what was reported as a back injury, though she later issued an apology to her teammates.
