In a significant move that sent ripples through the WNBA, two-time All-Star Angel Reese has been traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream, as announced on Monday. The deal sees the Dream acquire Reese in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick, along with 2028 second-round swap rights. This trade is poised to reshape both franchises, with the Sky aiming for a roster revamp and the Dream strengthening their championship aspirations.

Angel Reese, 23, has quickly established herself as one of the league's most dominant forces. Last season, she defended her WNBA rebounding crown, averaging an impressive 12.6 rebounds per game. She holds the unique distinction of being the only player in WNBA history to average at least 12.0 rebounds per game in a season, a feat she achieved in both 2024 and 2025. Beyond her rebounding prowess, Reese also led the league in double-doubles with 23 and was the Sky's top scorer (14.7 points) and assist provider (3.7) last season.

Upon the announcement, Reese expressed her enthusiasm for her new team. "I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization," Reese stated. "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." Sources close to ESPN indicated that while Reese did not formally request a trade, the Sky worked collaboratively with her to facilitate a move, ensuring no contentiousness between the parties.

The trade comes amidst a period of strategic change for the Chicago Sky, who have missed the playoffs for two consecutive years and are looking to overhaul their roster this offseason. Reese's relationship with the Sky, who drafted her seventh overall in 2024, had reportedly become strained last season. She publicly voiced concerns regarding the team's point guard situation and emphasized the necessity of acquiring "great players" in the offseason, hinting at a potential departure if improvements were not made. "I'm not settling for the same s--- we did this year," Reese told the Chicago Tribune in September. "We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That's a nonnegotiable for me. I'm willing and wanting to play with the best."

The Sky deemed these candid remarks "detrimental to the team" and initially suspended her for the first half of their subsequent game. However, Reese ultimately missed that game's second half and the following three games to conclude the season, with the team citing a back injury. Reese later apologized to her teammates for her comments. Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca commented on the trade, stating, "This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties. Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. 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." Notably, the Sky struggled significantly in Reese's absence last season, posting a 1-13 record, contributing to their overall 10-34 finish.

For the Atlanta Dream, this acquisition signifies a major step forward. The Dream concluded last season with the WNBA's third-best record (30-14) before being eliminated by the Indiana Fever in the first round of the playoffs. Reese is expected to form a formidable trio with dynamic guards Allisha Gray, who finished fourth in MVP voting last year, and Rhyne Howard. Dream general manager Dan Padover enthusiastically welcomed Reese, stating, "Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta. 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."

Reese, who stands 6-foot-3 and famously led LSU to the 2023 national championship, is currently under a rookie contract that extends through 2026, with a team option for 2027. The trade provides the Chicago Sky with significant future assets, as they now possess five first-round picks over the next three seasons, positioning them well for their rebuilding efforts.