The Angel Reese era in Chicago is over.
The Atlanta Dream acquired the two-time WNBA All-Star from the Chicago Sky on Monday 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.
thank you, Angel 🩵
wishing you the best in Atlanta! pic.twitter.com/JWGGOwVhGP
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) April 6, 2026
“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,” Dream general manager Dan Padover said in a release. “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.”
“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.”
An Angel’s DREAM💭
🅰️TL WHAT UP?! @AtlantaDream pic.twitter.com/obtqyhl35e
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 6, 2026
Reese’s tenure in Chicago started spectacularly but fizzled embarrassingly for the Sky. The organization suspended her for half of a game toward the end of the regular season for public comments chastising the front office and the quality of players on the roster.
After serving the suspension, Reese proceeded to sit out the remainder of the year with a listed back injury. She told reporters at USA Basketball in December that she would return to Chicago because she was under contract and was committed to building a relationship with head coach Tyler Marsh, but Reese can now turn the page.
Reese was undeniably impactful for the Sky, specifically in her rookie season. She set a WNBA record with 15 consecutive double-doubles and broke the league’s mark for most rebounds in a single season. Chicago was 21.8 points per 100 possessions better with her on the court and with a healthy Reese, could have challenged for a playoff spot. The Sky’s playoff hopes also took a hit after trading Marina Mabrey, one of their leading scorers, for a future draft asset that ended up being the No. 5 pick in next week’s WNBA Draft.
Before the start of the season, the Sky tried to expedite its offseason build by re-signing former champion Courtney Vandersloot, adding veteran role players and making a splashy trade for two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins. That plan fell apart almost immediately. Vandersloot tore her ACL in June, but the Sky had already proven that the roster didn’t work together. Their ill-fated hopes of contention cost them an opportunity to draft rookie All-Star Sonia Citron and their 2027 first-round pick.
Reese wasn’t blameless in Chicago’s early struggle in 2025, but she ended the season with improvements in points, shooting percentage, assists, blocks and steals per game while still leading the WNBA in rebounds per game.
The Sky made an interesting decision last week to move down four spots in the second round and trade an additional second-round pick to avoid being picked in the expansion draft. They wanted to preserve their core, but that no longer includes the most decorated member of it.
“Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. “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.”
Meanwhile, the Dream add a talented young player at a relatively low cost. Assuming Atlanta makes the playoffs each of the next two seasons, Chicago will receive two low first-round picks. Additionally, Reese is cost-controlled, scheduled to make $350,692 this season, about $200,000 below the league’s average salary, and that figure rises to $396,282 in 2027 if she doesn’t make All-WNBA this season.
Her fit in the Dream’s style of play is interesting. Reese doesn’t have much of an outside shot and under Karl Smesko, Atlanta has prioritized spacing at all five positions. The Dream have a track record of converting non-shooters into 3-point snipers; Naz Hillmon had taken six total 3-pointers in three WNBA seasons before making 32.1 percent on 3.8 attempts per game in 2025. Nevertheless, the fit with Reese and Hillmon will require some adjustments from both before Atlanta considers re-signing Brionna Jones or Brittney Griner.
Regardless, this is a win for the Dream. They acquire a young, big star who will give them the cap flexibility to retain Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Hillmon. Reese figures to be massively popular in Atlanta as the franchise takes its next steps forward.
“Angel’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is elite,” Smesko said in a statement. “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.”
Chicago, meanwhile, closes the book on yet another franchise icon who didn’t want to stick around. The Sky’s initial trade to move up in the draft to acquire Reese cost them a first-rounder, a second, and another first-round swap. They only recouped two firsts and a second-round swap while losing a two-time All-Star.
The team now moves forward with Kamilla Cardoso as a franchise cornerstone, along with Hailey Van Lith, Maddy Westbeld and whichever veterans want to stay with an organization that has among the worst player experiences in the league.
Reese didn’t want to tie her future to Chicago. The Sky decided that keeping her around wasn’t worth the trouble. Now, they once again have to figure out what comes next.
