The Chicago Sky shocked the WNBA world on Monday after announcing Angel Reese’s trade to the Atlanta Dream. Once believed to be Chicago’s cornerstone star, Reese is now headed to Atlanta after spending the first two seasons of her career with the Sky.
Chicago selected Reese as the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She was named an All-Star in both of her seasons with the Sky, averaging 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 32.0 minutes per game. She led the league in rebounds in both seasons.
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Despite Reese’s strong play, however, the Sky missed the WNBA playoffs for two consecutive years. In 2025, their 10-34 record was tied for the worst in the league.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) against the Phoenix Mercury.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
News broke on Monday that the Sky and the Dream had agreed on a massive trade for Reese. In exchange for the 6-foot-3 forward, Atlanta sent two future first-round picks to Chicago.
The New York Post was among the myriad of publications that reported the news. The report included a resurfaced quote from Reese from September last year. At that point, Reese warned the Sky about potentially leaving the team if her goals no longer aligned with those of the organization.
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“I am very vocal about what we need and what I want,” Reese told the Chicago Tribune. “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.”
Reese also added that, for her, it was a “non-negotiable” that the team adds “great players” to the roster.
The Sky punished Reese for her public comments. They suspended her for half a game. The former LSU Tigers star apologized for her statement, but by then the damage had been done.
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Reese’s relationship with the Sky took a significant hit after she made her demands. As it turns out, the damage may have proven beyond repair. Both Reese and the Sky are now moving on in separate directions.
Related: Chicago Sky Announce Plan for Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
