Angel Reese traded from Chicago Sky
to Atlanta Dream for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028
[April 07, 2026]
By CHARLES ODUM
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Dream acquired two-time WNBA All-Star
Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky on Monday in exchange for
first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028.
Atlanta also receives the right to swap second-round picks with
Chicago in 2028.
The 6-foot-3 Reese averaged 14.1 points and 12.9 rebounds in her two
seasons with Chicago, earning All-Star honors each year while
finishing as the runner-up for rookie of the year in 2024.
"Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are
building in Atlanta,” general manager Dan Padover said in a
statement released by the Dream. “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, 23, was the No. 7 overall pick by Chicago in the 2024 WNBA
draft after leading LSU to the 2023 national championship.
The trade comes after Reese expressed frustrations late in last
season's 10-34 finish for the Sky. She told the Chicago Tribune that
she “might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best
for me” if the team didn't improve its outlook. She later apologized
to the team for the comments.
“I’m not settling for the same ... we did this year,” Reese told the
newspaper. “We have to get good players. We have to get great
players. That’s a non-negotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to
play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here,
that’s what I’m going to do this offseason.
“So it’s going to be very, very important this offseason to make
sure we attract the best of the best because we can’t settle for
what we have this year.”
The Sky suspended Reese for half of a game for comments deemed
“detrimental to the team.” The team listed her as dealing with a
back injury for its final three games, raising speculation about her
long-term future in Chicago.
"This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a
great opportunity for all parties,” Chicago general manager Jeff
Pagliocca said in a statement released by the Sky.
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Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) makes a pass during a WNBA
basketball game against the Indiana Fever in Indianapolis, Saturday,
May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)
“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.”
Reese averaged 14.7 points last season and led the WNBA with 12.6
rebounds per game. She joins an Atlanta roster that boasts other
established stars and flourished under the leadership of coach Karl
Smesko.
Allisha Gray finished fourth in the MVP voting last season. Rhyne
Howard became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 300 career
3-pointers. Naz Hillmon was named Sixth Player of the Year and
Brionna Jones was an All-Star.
“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.”
Atlanta set a franchise record with 30 wins in 2025. Smesko said
Reese will add elite skills.
“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.”
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