Despite making the All-Star team twice and receiving MVP consideration as a rookie during her initial two WNBA seasons, Angel Reese was released by the Chicago Sky, the former LSU standout.
The 23-year-old Reese’s transfer to the Atlanta Dream was confirmed by the team on Monday.
The Sky confirmed that they transferred Reese and a future right to exchange second-round draft selections with Atlanta in 2028. In return for Reese, the Sky acquired Atlanta’s first-round picks for both 2027 and 2028. The Chicago team also acknowledged Reese’s contributions during her tenure.
Reese also acknowledged the news, expressing that playing for Atlanta was like an “Angel’s dream.”
Since beginning her WNBA career, Reese has consistently displayed top-tier performance. In her rookie year, she achieved averages of 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, leading to an All-Star selection, a second-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting, and even some MVP votes.
Her second year was arguably even more impressive, with averages of 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. Following critiques regarding her shooting proficiency, Reese improved her two-point field-goal percentage from .400 to .478 in her sophomore season. She continued to be a dominant force in rebounding, securing boards at an extraordinary rate. This stellar performance again earned Reese an invitation to the All-Star Game.
However, her tenure in Chicago was not without conflict. Reese faced a half-game suspension from the Sky after making remarks that the organization deemed “detrimental to the team’s interests.”
Days prior to the suspension, Reese voiced strong criticism of the squad and its players, stating, “I refuse to accept the same poor performance we had this year.” She further emphasized, “We must acquire skilled players. We must acquire exceptional players. That is non-negotiable for me.”
She later issued an apology, clarifying that her statements were misunderstood and that she never intended to disparage her teammates.
Reese also incurred another suspension around that period for accumulating her eighth technical foul during the regular season. WNBA regulations mandate a one-game absence for reaching such a number of technicals.
While Reese has posted impressive individual statistics, her WNBA career has seen limited team success. The Sky recorded a collective 23-61 record over her two seasons.
The Dream struggled in 2024 but experienced a breakthrough season in 2025. With new head coach Karl Smesko and the additions of Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner, the team achieved a 30-14 record, securing the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
After an outstanding regular season, the Dream were eliminated by the Indiana Fever in the initial round of the playoffs. The onus will be on Reese to demonstrate her capability as a key player to guide the team to an extended postseason run in 2026.
