The Chicago Sky have traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Desires, ending her two-year run because the face of the Sky’s franchise. Reese lands in Atlanta in change for the Dream’s first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. As a part of the commerce, Atlanta additionally receives the fitting to swap second-round picks with Chicago in 2028.
Reese, a rising third-year participant, has been one of many league’s most formidable frontcourt gamers; she’s a two-time All-Star who has averaged 14.1 factors and 12.9 rebounds in her profession.
“I’m past grateful for the chance to hitch the Atlanta Dream group,” Reese stated in an official press launch. “I’m centered on persevering with to develop my sport, competing on the highest stage, connecting with the followers, and giving every little thing I’ve acquired to the Dream.”
The connection between Reese and the Sky group appeared fractured ever since she was suspended for a sport in September for what the group termed “statements detrimental to the staff.”
That got here after she sat down for an interview with the Chicago Tribune concerning the state of the group. Amongst her remarks, Reese instructed the Tribune she is “not settling for a similar shit we did this 12 months,” and that the staff ”[has] to get nice gamers,” amongst different feedback.
The Chicago Sky did not make the playoffs in each of Reese’s first two seasons, ending with a 10-34 report final season — the second-worst report within the WNBA.
The Dream have been 30-14 final 12 months, however misplaced to the Indiana Fever within the first spherical of the playoffs. They have been led by All-Stars Allisha Grey (18.4 factors, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists), Rhyne Howard (17.5 factors, 4.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds), and Brionna Jones (12.8 factors, 7.7 rebounds per sport).
Atlanta Dream basic supervisor Dan Padover praised Reese in an official assertion.
“Angel is a dynamic expertise and an ideal match for what we’re constructing in Atlanta,” stated Padover. “She has already confirmed herself as one of the impactful gamers within the league, and her competitiveness, manufacturing, and drive to win align seamlessly with our imaginative and prescient. That is an thrilling second for our group and our followers.”
