Angel Reese has been one of the top players in the WNBA over the past two seasons with the Chicago Sky. She quickly adjusted from college basketball at LSU to the professionals during her rookie season, averaging a double-double of 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, earning her first All-Star appearance as well. But the Sky finished the 2024 season with a 13-27 record, missing out on the playoffs under coach Teresa Weatherspoon..
Reese’s second season in Chicago was arguably better than her first, however. She improved her scoring, averaging 14.7 points on 45.8% shooting, while grabbing 12.6 rebounds per game. But, once again, the Sky failed to secure a spot in the postseason, finishing the 2025 season with a 10-34 record under first-year head coach Tyler Marsh.
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Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese attempts a free-throw shotKamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
After missing the playoffs for a second straight year, Reese voiced her frustration with the Sky, calling for the team to make major changes. Chicago did just that, but not in the way many expected, trading Reese to the Atlanta Dream, along with the right to swap 2028 second-round picks, in exchange for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028.
“The Sky are trading Angel to the Dream in exchange for two first-round picks,” Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca said. “This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties… 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.”
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Just hours after trading Reese to the Dream, the Sky have already taken a hit. Not only did they face significant backlash from fans, but they also saw a sharp drop in their social media following. Before the trade, according to The Sporting News, Chicago had 583,000 followers on Instagram. Eight hours later, that number had fallen to 573,000, a loss of 10,000 followers.
Meanwhile, the Dream are seeing the opposite effect, with their Instagram following increasing by 18,000 just eight hours after acquiring Reese.
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Reese will begin her tenure with the Dream on May 10, opening the 2026 WNBA regular season against the Minnesota Lynx.
Related: Brittney Griner Sends Message After Chicago Sky Trade Angel Reese to Atlanta Dream
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
