Chicago Sky Trade Angel Reese to Atlanta Dream in Major WNBA Offseason Move
The Chicago Sky have officially traded star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, the teams announced on Monday. This blockbuster trade represents the first significant move of the WNBA offseason, which is unfolding on a condensed timeline following the recent ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players.
Reese's Stellar Career and Strained Relationship with Chicago
Angel Reese, 23, was a two-time All-Star with the Chicago Sky, who selected her with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft after a standout college career at Maryland and LSU. Her rivalry with fellow rookie Caitlin Clark became one of the major storylines of that season, contributing to record-breaking viewership and attendance across the league.
In a statement on Monday, Reese expressed her gratitude and focus: "I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization. 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."
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Reese led the WNBA in rebounds per game for the past two seasons, averaging a league-record 13.1 as a rookie and 12.6 in 2025. She also led the league in double-doubles with 23 last season while topping the Sky with 14.7 points per game and 3.7 assists per game. Notably, she became the fastest player in league history to record 500 points and 500 rebounds.
However, Reese's relationship with the Sky became strained as the team fell out of playoff contention for the second consecutive year. In September, she told the Chicago Tribune that Chicago "might have to move in a different direction and do what's best for me" if they didn't improve their outlook. She called on coach Tyler Marsh to coach players harder and expressed doubts about the roster's competitiveness for championships.
The Sky suspended Reese for half a game, citing her comments as "detrimental to the team." She later apologized to her teammates, stating that her remarks were taken out of context.
Trade Details and Roster Implications
Chicago general manager Jeff Pagliocca commented on the trade in a release: "This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties. 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."
In the trade, the Chicago Sky received a 2027 first-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round pick. The Atlanta Dream, who posted a 30-14 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs last year, acquired swap rights to a second-round pick in the 2028 draft.
WNBA Offseason Context and Free Agency
The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement was ratified by league owners on March 24, setting the stage for a dynamic free agency period. With more than 100 players on the market, the new CBA introduces significant financial changes:
- This season's salary cap is approximately $7 million, an increase of $5.5 million from last year.
- Average salaries will be around $600,000, with a minimum of $300,000.
- Top players on "supermax" contracts can earn above $1 million.
The offseason schedule is tightly packed:
- Teams can make qualifying offers and designate core players on Monday and Tuesday.
- Negotiations can take place from Wednesday to Friday.
- Contracts can be executed starting Saturday.
- The college draft is scheduled for April 13.
Meanwhile, the two new expansion teams, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, held their drafts last week. Key player movements include reigning MVP A'ja Wilson re-signing with the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, while Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart plan to stay with the New York Liberty. Caitlin Clark remains with the Indiana Fever as her contract did not expire at the end of the 2025 season. Other top free agents to watch include Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Mitchell, and Allisha Gray.
Training camp opens on April 19, and the WNBA season begins on May 8, promising an exciting year ahead with Reese now set to make her mark in Atlanta.
