The Chicago Sky has finally traded one of the most marketable faces of the WNBA, Angel Reese, to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for 2027 and 2028 first-round draft picks. The Dream will also get a chance for second-round swap rights.
Reese is coming off a season where she averaged a double-double. This means she recorded 10 or more in two important statistic categories like points,rebounds, or assists etc.
She averaged 14.2 points per game and is the only player to average over 10 rebounds. Reese is also a two-time All-Star, earning a selection in every season since entering the league in 2024.
Not only that, Reese led the WNBA in double-doubles this past season and continues to prove why she was a first-round draft pick.
“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,” Reese said in an interview with ESPN
How Does This Trade Benefit Angel Reese?
Although rumors have circulated since the start of last season that Reese wanted a trade and was not getting along with the front office and some staff of the Sky, those rumors were somewhat true.
Last summer, Reese spoke with the Chicago Tribune and was frustrated with how the Sky was not adding guards to the team during the offseason. She wanted what was best for the Sky; the front office just didn’t try hard enough to build a better team around her to win.
“We have to get a good player. We have to get great players. That’s a nonnegotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best,” Reese told the Chicago Tribune.
Reese never requested a trade and had a stale relationship with the team before her release. The Sky missed the playoffs in both seasons since Reese joined the team, despite her coming from powerhouse LSU, a program known for winning National Championships.
Reese felt she needed to grow and start a new chapter somewhere else that allows her a better chance at chasing a ring in the pros. The Sky actively worked to move Reese, putting her in the best possible situation with the trade.
The New Dream
With Reese coming to Atlanta, she joins a dual-threat backcourt with MVP-caliber guard Alisha Gray and Rhyne Howard. The Dream finished last season with the third-best record in the league (30-14), but ended up losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Indiana Fever.
On the front court, Reese will team up with a WNBA veteran and WNBA champion, Brittney Griner.
Adding more height to the Dream will give them more of an advantage on the boards, along with second-chance points. This will improve their field goal percentage within the paint by adding the WNBA leading rebound, Angel Reese.
What Does the WNBA Universe Think About This Decision ?
Moving to Atlanta will be a perfect fit and a great environment for Angel Reese, as the culture of southern hospitality will resonate with her, and she will feel at home like her LSU days.
Fans of Dream are eager to see her on the court. Ironically, Reese’s debut with the Dream will be against the Chicago Sky on April 29th, which is the first preseason game of the year.
Meanwhile, Sky fans strongly criticize the front office for letting go of the most popular face in women’s basketball
The Sky’s chances of succeeding are still somewhat good. They acquire two important draft picks for the next two upcoming drafts, hopefully they can make a great turnaround.
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