On a cool Wednesday night outside Wintrust Arena, the air had a different feel upon entry to the venue for the Chicago Sky’s final preseason game against the Atlanta Dream.
There were plenty of blue and black No. 5 jerseys in the crowd, bought after the Sky selected Angel Reese with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. Many fans came to show their support for the third-year forward, whom the Sky traded to the Dream on April 6 for two future first-round draft picks.
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“She was awesome,” said Shana Battle, 56, wearing a “Sky Town” Reese jersey. “That’s the kind of player you need to win championships.
“It felt like when (the Chicago Bulls) traded Derrick Rose. I felt like I got stabbed in the heart.”
Added Robert Merriweather, 60, who wore a No. 5 Sky home jersey: “I think she’s a great player … that’s who she is.”
Speaking earlier Wednesday, Reese said it was “best for me to move on” but didn’t express any animosity toward the Sky. She’s playing for a contender now, and both sides are ready to put that chapter behind them.
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“I’m grateful for Chicago for putting me in a situation where I can come somewhere that I really wanted and (to) people that really wanted me,” Reese said. “I’m grateful to turn the page, no love lost.
“(Chicago’s) a part of my journey, being able to have this and grow from it. I’m really happy to have this opportunity where Atlanta really wanted me to come in and find ways to help them and then to help me. I’ve been happy — I’ve shown all 32 teeth every single day.”
At her introductory news conference in Atlanta, Reese expressed gratitude for her two seasons in Chicago. She remained all smiles at the Dream’s shootaround Wednesday.
“Even from draft day, (I’m thankful for) being able to be drafted here. Chicago is a great city of sports,” Reese said. “I would never forget this opportunity being able to play in front of these amazing fans that have shown up, not even just at home but away games as well.”
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Reese’s exit from Chicago was preceded by growing dissatisfaction between the forward and the Sky organization. But general manager Jeff Pagliocca maintains his relationship with Reese remained strong through the final negotiations with the Dream.
During a requested media availability with local reporters last week, Pagliocca repeatedly emphasized his support for Reese and his belief that she will be successful in Atlanta.
“I can tell you this about Angel Reese — she was extremely competitive,” Pagliocca said. “She wanted to win every drill in practice. She wanted to win every game she was suited up for. I’ve never not seen buy-in from Angel Reese from a competitive perspective. Angel was bought in wherever she was going to go.
“She’s just extremely competitive, so things she’s either done or she’s said, I believe come from a competitive place. That’s one of the reasons she’s great.”
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Sky coach Tyler Marsh mirrored Pagliocca’s comments.
“She’s only scratched the surface of where her potential is,” Marsh said. “She’s already made a mark in her first two years in this league (and) made incredible contributions to this city and to this organization — which we’re incredibly appreciative for — and I know the show continues to the same in Atlanta.”
Despite entering only her third WNBA season, Reese displayed leadership during her time with the Sky, according to point guard Hailey Van Lith, the No. 11 pick in the 2025 draft. The duo had been teammates on LSU’s Elite Eight team in 2023-24, and Van Lith credits Reese for helping her ease into the WNBA.
“I feel comfortable around her — if I had a bad practice or if she could tell that I was hesitant on my shot, she instilled confidence in me,” Van Lith said. “And we had private conversations of who you have to be in the league to make it. She definitely helped me with that transition, and I’m grateful for the year that I played with her in the pros.”
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It’s only the preseason, so trash-talking was unlikely between the former teammates. The Dream visit the Sky on June 9 in the regular season, so maybe it will come then.
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Van Lith said with a laugh, “but at that point it’s fun and games between two people that have had past history playing with each other. We both have that type of personality, and it’ll elevate both of us in the game.”
Pagliocca said the front office believed the partnership with Reese still could work for the 2026 season. But Reese had lost considerable favor with ownership, per sources, which was made clear by the decision to suspend for half a game — against the wishes of the front office — over comments she made in a Tribune interview.
The front office also faced growing concerns about whether Reese’s presence would deter the signing of returning veterans and key free agents the Sky had targeted.
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Still, the Sky did not shop Reese, according to multiple sources, nor did she request a trade. The Dream initiated the trade talks that resulted in the deal — and sources confirmed that it was not the only potential deal the Sky discussed in the weeks leading up to the trade.
The Dallas Wings, for instance, offered a package that included a better slate of first-round picks and at least one player, according to a source. But the trade didn’t align with Reese’s priorities, leading to the final deal with the Dream.
“It was a decision that was made together,” Pagliocca said. “There was nothing that was contentious at any point. Atlanta expressed interest, and that was a destination that she wanted to be at.
“We were always going to move her to a place — if we decided to — that she wanted to play basketball at. That matters to us. It matters to us whether a player leaves here in free agency or in a trade. If we can help them out, we’re going to try to.”
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In response to the departure of their star, the Sky added several scoring threats such as veteran Skylar Diggins and 2024 No. 4 pick Rickea Jackson. While the Sky are looking to rebound from a 10-34 season, the Dream went 30-14 last season and Reese’s growing offensive game, along with her strength on the boards, only adds to their championship hopes.
In her two seasons with the Sky, Reese averaged 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists and led the WNBA in rebounding both seasons. After a few weeks in Atlanta, Reese feels other parts of her game starting to grow.
“I’ve been able to get better in the offseason, but in a week and a half, I can tell the difference within my shot,” she said. “(They’ve) put me in so many positions already to get easy baskets.”
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At last year’s Sky media day, Reese said she wanted to give herself grace going into her second season. With a new group of teammates and heightened expectations headed into Year 3, she’s continuing to be gentle with herself.
“(I’m) giving myself grace, just continuing to put my head down and work,” she said. “I’m really grateful for these opportunities. To be healthy right now feels amazing, (so I’m) just looking forward to a new season.”
Her return to Chicago was full of love from the Sky faithful — and Reese was thankful for the support.
“I appreciate the Chicago fans — you guys have done a lot of great things for me, the support of Chicago and the city, not just me but for the organization as well,” Reese said. “I have a basketball court here, I still have a home here, so this is still part of my journey and I’ll never forget that.”
