Atlanta Dream land star forward Angel Reese in blockbuster trade with Chicago Sky

The Dream acquire the 2024 No. 7 overall pick in exchange for multiple future draft assets

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:37pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the motion and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract geometric shapes and planes of vibrant color.The trade of Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream signals a shift in the WNBA landscape, with one of the league's rising stars finding a new home.Chicago Today

In a major WNBA offseason move, the Atlanta Dream have acquired star forward Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky. Reese, who had a standout rookie season in 2024, was traded to Atlanta in exchange for a first-round pick in 2027, a first-round pick in 2028, and the rights to swap second-round picks with the Dream in 2028.

Why it matters

The trade marks a significant shift for both franchises, as the Dream look to build around Reese's elite rebounding and developing offensive game, while the Sky appear to be moving in a new direction after Reese publicly voiced concerns about the team's future last season.

The details

Reese, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, had an excellent rookie campaign with the Sky, proving herself as a dominant rebounder and showing growth in her offensive skillset. However, her relationship with the franchise became strained after the team fired head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, a move that Reese publicly criticized. With the writing on the wall, the Sky have now traded Reese to the Dream, who will look to incorporate the young power forward into their new offensive system under coach Karl Smesko.

  • Reese was traded to the Dream on April 6, 2026, the first day of WNBA free agency.
  • Reese had two seasons with the Sky after being drafted No. 7 overall in 2024.

The players

Angel Reese

A 23-year-old power forward who was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Reese had a standout rookie season with the Chicago Sky in 2024, establishing herself as an elite rebounder with a developing offensive game.

Karl Smesko

The head coach of the Atlanta Dream, who was hired last season and is known for implementing an up-tempo, 3-point heavy offensive system.

Dan Padover

The general manager of the Atlanta Dream, who worked with Smesko to strategize how to incorporate Reese into the team's new offensive approach.

Teresa Weatherspoon

The former head coach of the Chicago Sky, who was fired after just one season with the team, a move that Reese publicly criticized.

Chicago Sky

The WNBA franchise that drafted Reese No. 7 overall in 2024 but has now traded her to the Atlanta Dream.

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What they’re saying

“Angel Reese isn't just a good rebounder; it's almost uncanny how good she is. She keeps possessions alive on the offensive end and allows teams more opportunities to start the transition offense with her defensive boards. She also has a nonstop motor and good defensive skills.”

— Dan Padover, General Manager, Atlanta Dream

“Reese's comments last year about how the Sky's roster needed to be upgraded might have not been taken well by her Chicago teammates, understandably. But she also wasn't wrong: Reese wants to win, and it seemed she spoke from a sense of passionate frustration.”

— ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Dream will look to build around Reese as they continue to reshape their roster in the offseason, while the Sky will aim to make the most of the multiple future draft picks they acquired in the trade.

The takeaway

This trade represents a pivotal moment for both franchises, as the Dream look to capitalize on Reese's immense potential and the Sky appear to be charting a new course after a strained relationship with their former lottery pick. The success of this deal will ultimately hinge on how the draft assets acquired by Chicago are utilized and how Reese develops within Atlanta's up-tempo system.