Angel Reese’s time in Chicago is officially over

The Chicago Sky have traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dreams, ending her two-year run as the face of the Sky’s franchise. Reese lands in Atlanta in exchange for the Dream’s first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. As part of the trade, Atlanta also receives the right to swap second-round picks with Chicago in 2028.

Reese, a rising third-year player, has been one of the league’s most formidable frontcourt players; she’s a two-time All-Star who has averaged 14.1 points and 12.9 rebounds in her career.

“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization,” Reese said in an official press release. “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 relationship between Reese and the Sky organization appeared fractured ever since she was suspended for a game in September for what the organization termed “statements detrimental to the team.”

That came after she sat down for an interview with the Chicago Tribune about the state of the organization. Among her remarks, Reese told the Tribune she is “not settling for the same shit we did this year,” and that the team “[has] to get great players,” among other comments.

The Chicago Sky failed to make the playoffs in both of Reese’s first two seasons, finishing with a 10-34 record last season — the second-worst record in the WNBA.

The Dream were 30-14 last year, but lost to the Indiana Fever in the first round of the playoffs. They were led by All-Stars Allisha Gray (18.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists), Rhyne Howard (17.5 points, 4.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds), and Brionna Jones (12.8 points, 7.7 rebounds per game).

Atlanta Dream general manager Dan Padover praised Reese in an official statement.

“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,” said Padover. “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.”