Chicago Sky sends two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese packing with trade to Atlanta Dream

The Chicago Sky traded two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, according to ESPN. The Dream also got 2028 second-round swap rights. The deal, announced Monday, shakes up the league early in 2026 free agency.

Reese, 23, led the WNBA in rebounds both seasons with the Sky, ESPN reports. She averaged 12.6 per game last year, the only player ever to hit 12.0+ twice. She topped the league with 23 double-doubles, scoring 14.7 points and dishing 3.7 assists per game.

Teammates relieved, Reese thrives

A source close to the team toldDaily Mail that those in the organization feel relieved Angel is gone. "There has been so much apprehension between the team and her," the source said. "Everyone is happy that they don't have to deal with her various controversies."

Reese's Sky tenure soured after she slammed the team's point guard woes last September. "I'm not settling for the same s--- we did this year," Reese told the Chicago Tribune, per Daily Mail. The Sky suspended her briefly, citing team detriment, though she cited a back injury.

According to Daily Mail, hours after the trade, Reese grinned in New York City at a Victoria's Secret event. She launched her "Season of Strapless" swim line, posing outside the Midtown flagship. On social media, she posted: "An Angel's DREAM. ATL WHAT UP?!"

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"I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization," Reese said in a Dream release, per ESPN. "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."

Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca called it a move for roster balance. According to ESPN, he went on to say, "Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones…We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter.” The Sky, who went 1-13 without her last season, now hold five first-round picks over three years.