Last year, Angel Reese’s tenure with the Chicago Sky appeared limited subsequent to her openly expressing apprehension regarding the squad’s prospects. A discernible split between the organization and Reese was then apparent, culminating on Monday in a transaction transferring her to the Atlanta Dream.
The Sky were enthusiastic about choosing her 7th overall in the 2024 draft, and she experienced a superb inaugural season, demonstrating not merely a reliable elite talent in rebounding, but also her capacity to develop her offensive play. She cultivated a strong rapport with coach Teresa Weatherspoon, who fostered confidence with Reese during her debut year. Upon Weatherspoon’s dismissal following merely a single season, Reese openly conveyed her dismay regarding the choice. This marked one of the initial significant fissures in her connection with the club.
Consequently, she now transitions to Atlanta, which – once the free agency period concludes – is anticipated to possess an experienced foundation ready to welcome the developing Reese.
During this offseason, we will examine which squads benefited most from the significant WNBA transactions, commencing with Reese’s transfer. ESPN analyzes all the ramifications within our trade assessments.
Player market commences with monumental Reese exchange
Dream get: Angel Reese
Sky get: First-round pick in 2027, first-round pick in 2028, rights to swap second-round picks in 2028 draft with Dream
Atlanta Dream: A
The Dream enlisted veteran college coach Karl Smesko last season, and he emerged as a formidable candidate for coach of the year. Atlanta completely revamped its offensive strategy under Smesko, who advocates for extensive 3-point attempts and a more fluid, position-agnostic style. Although that might initially appear unsuitable for a traditional power forward such as Reese, Smesko and general manager Dan Padover have undeniably extensively analyzed her play and devised methods to integrate her into this framework.
Reese is more than merely an adept rebounder; her proficiency is nearly preternatural. She sustains offensive possessions and affords teams additional chances to initiate fast breaks with her defensive recoveries. Furthermore, she possesses an unwavering drive and commendable defensive capabilities.
Turning now to the widely recognized “critique” concerning Reese: She is not a proficient shooter. Nonetheless, do not undervalue her ambition to enhance her performance. Smesko is an outstanding instructor, adept at situating athletes in optimal roles to capitalize on their strengths.
Reese’s observations last year regarding the Sky’s roster requiring enhancements might not have been received favorably by her Chicago colleagues, which is comprehensible. However, she was also accurate: Reese desires victory, and it appeared she voiced her views from a place of fervent dissatisfaction. Surrounding her with experienced players within an organization that values her disposition, yet can also assist her in directing it constructively, might elicit her peak performance.
Chicago Sky: B
This assessment might substantially rise if the selections acquired by the Sky prove successful – and that possibility exists. Additionally, the Sky likely perceived no viable future with Reese subsequent to the developments of the previous season.
Nevertheless, Reese presents an attraction as a player beyond merely her abilities: It encompasses her demeanor, her allure to supporters off the court, her dynamism. Predominantly, it appeared Chicago enthusiasts adored her, and numerous individuals will regret her departure. Those very supporters have generally expressed discontent with the Sky’s general trajectory ever since the franchise’s zenith of securing the WNBA championship in 2021.
Additional actions by the Sky prior to the commencement of this season might help appease the fanbase – or potentially provoke even greater displeasure. Once more, this evaluation could, in hindsight, be deemed too lenient if the ultimate yield from this transaction is considerable. Conversely, if it isn’t, the assessment might be unduly elevated.
Bayou Barbie 🤝 ATL
Welcome to the 🅰️, Angel pic.twitter.com/egHdbK9oaK— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) April 6, 2026