The WNBA’s offseason just got a whole lot louder.
The Chicago Sky dealt two-time All-Star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream on Monday. The trade sends Atlanta’s first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 back to Chicago. The Dream also receive the right to swap 2028 second-round picks with the Sky.
Reese, 23, spent her first two professional seasons in Chicago. She made the All-Star team in both years and led the league in rebounding each season. In 64 career games, she has averaged 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
She is the only player in WNBA history to average at least 12.0 rebounds per game in back-to-back seasons.
A New Home in Atlanta
The Dream are coming off their best season in franchise history. Atlanta finished 30-14 in 2025, good for the third-best record in the league. Despite that, they fell to the Indiana Fever in the first round of the playoffs.
Head coach Karl Smesko is entering his second year at the helm. He oversaw a dramatic offensive turnaround in 2025. The Dream jumped from last in offensive rating in 2024 all the way to second in 2025.
Reese will join a roster that already includes guard Allisha Gray, who finished fourth in MVP voting last season. Guard Rhyne Howard is also returning to the fold.
Dream general manager Dan Padover spoke highly of the move.
“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,” Padover said. “She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision. This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans.”
Smesko was equally enthusiastic about adding Reese to his lineup.
“Angel’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is elite,” Smesko said. “Her energy, toughness and instincts will thrive in our system, and we’re excited to integrate her into the style of play we are constructing here in Atlanta.”
Angel Reese Responds
Reese broke her silence shortly after the trade was announced. Her reaction was warm and pointed.
“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization,” Reese said. “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.”
The move was not without backstory. Tensions had developed between Reese and the Sky organization last season. She publicly voiced concerns about the team’s point guard situation. She also hinted she might explore other options if Chicago did not make meaningful improvements. ESPN reported, however, that Reese never formally requested a trade. The Sky reportedly worked alongside Reese’s team to find the right landing spot.
Chicago general manager Jeff Pagliocca addressed the deal in a prepared statement.
“Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky,” Pagliocca said. “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.”
Pagliocca also noted the trade was a calculated roster decision.
“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” he said.
Reese was originally selected by Chicago with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Before turning pro, she led LSU to the 2023 NCAA National Championship. She was named Most Outstanding Player of that tournament.
She enters the 2026 season in the final guaranteed year of her rookie contract. The Dream hold a team option for the 2027 season.
Atlanta opens the 2026 regular season May 17 at State Farm Arena against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.