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Angel Reese Traded to Atlanta Dream

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Angel Reese Traded to Atlanta Dream in Blockbuster Deal

Angel Reese, a two-time All-Star, has been traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream. The transaction, finalized on Monday morning after collective bargaining negotiations and expansion drafts, involved the Sky acquiring two first-round draft picks from the Dream. Reese's departure continues a pattern of star players leaving the Chicago Sky franchise.

Reese's departure continues a pattern of star players leaving the Chicago Sky franchise.

Trade Specifics

The Atlanta Dream acquired Angel Reese and the right to swap 2028 second-round picks. In exchange, the Chicago Sky received the Dream’s first-round selections for 2027 and 2028. These first-round picks are projected to be middle-of-the-pack selections, a projection based on draft lottery results (which consider cumulative records over two seasons) and the Dream's top record in 2025.

The Sky had originally acquired the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 draft to select Reese from the Minnesota Lynx, giving up draft assets including a 2026 pick swap that later became the No. 2 overall pick.

Reese's Time in Chicago

Reese was drafted seventh overall in 2024. During her tenure with the Sky, she played under head coach Teresa Weatherspoon in 2024, who was subsequently dismissed after one season. Tyler Marsh then coached the team in 2025, a season that included injuries to key players such as Courtney Vandersloot (ACL tear) and Ariel Atkins (absences).

Reese received a half-game suspension for "statements detrimental to the team" following an interview in which she questioned teammates and Marsh. She later missed the final three games of the 2025 season due to a back injury. The Sky had also drafted center Kamilla Cardoso with the No. 3 overall pick in 2024.

The combination of Kamilla Cardoso and Reese was noted for potential floor-spacing issues due to similarities in their play styles.

A Pattern of Departures

The trade of Angel Reese follows a historical pattern of notable players departing the Chicago Sky.

Concerns reported by players who have left the Sky include a perceived lack of personal space, private locker rooms, and professional-grade training facilities.

The Sky plans to open a new training facility during the current season. Players who have departed the Sky have often subsequently achieved success with their new teams.

Notable Player Exits

Key departures from the franchise have included:

  • Sylvia Fowles: Drafted No. 2 in 2008, Fowles declined an extension in 2014 and sat out part of the 2015 season to demand a trade to the Minnesota Lynx, where she won WNBA championships and Finals MVP titles in 2015 and 2017.
  • Elena Delle Donne: The 2015 MVP sought a trade in 2016 to be closer to her family in Delaware. She was traded to the Washington Mystics and earned a second MVP award in 2019.
  • Gabby Williams: The fourth pick in 2018, Williams was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2021 after a suspension, with her participation in the French national team reported as a factor.
  • Candace Parker: A Naperville native, Parker signed with the Sky in 2021 and contributed to the team's first championship. She left as a free agent in 2023 for the Las Vegas Aces to be closer to her family in Los Angeles.
  • Kahleah Copper: The 2021 WNBA Finals MVP, Copper was traded to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for four draft picks, including the No. 3 overall pick in 2024, Brianna Turner, and Michaela Onyenwere.
  • Emma Meesseman: After contributing to the Sky in 2022, Meesseman opted to leave the WNBA to focus on Belgian national team commitments, later returning to the league with the New York Liberty in 2025.
  • Marina Mabrey: Acquired via trade, Mabrey requested a trade midway through the 2024 season following the departure of coach/GM James Wade. She denied rumors that her request was due to not getting along with Reese.
  • Allie Quigley: A hometown player, Quigley announced her retirement in 2025 after sitting out the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Organizational Shifts

The Sky organization has also experienced leadership changes, including James Wade's departure as an NBA assistant in 2023. This led to the hiring of Teresa Weatherspoon as head coach and the promotion of Jeff Pagliocca to general manager. General Manager Jeff Pagliocca is currently entering a significant free-agency period.

The organization's reputation among players has been a topic of discussion.