Atlanta Dream predicted to draft UCLA champion after Angel Reese trade

The Dream's outlook for 2026 has changed dramatically after acquiring All-Star forward Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, capturing the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of the sport.The Dream's bold move to acquire Angel Reese reshapes their draft strategy as they look to build a championship contender.Chicago Today

The Atlanta Dream's plans for the upcoming WNBA draft have shifted after the team traded for All-Star forward Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky. With the 13th overall pick, the Dream are expected to target frontcourt depth behind Reese, with Bleacher Report predicting they will select UCLA's Angela Dugalic, one of the super seniors in this year's loaded draft class.

Why it matters

The Dream are looking to win now after the Reese trade, and Dugalic could provide immediate contributions as a versatile forward with size and mobility, despite some concerns about her shooting efficiency.

The details

The Dream acquired Reese, a 2023 WNBA All-Star, from the Sky in exchange for two first-round picks. With Reese now on the roster, the Dream will look to add frontcourt depth with their first-round selection, which they will retain after the trade. Bleacher Report's Hunter Cruse predicts the Dream will target the 24-year-old Dugalic, a super senior from UCLA, noting that her jumper will be a key factor in whether she can provide immediate value to the Dream.

  • The Dream traded for Reese on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for next Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Angel Reese

A 2023 WNBA All-Star forward who was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream.

Dan Padover

The general manager of the Atlanta Dream who orchestrated the trade for Reese.

Angela Dugalic

A 24-year-old super senior forward from UCLA who is projected to be drafted by the Atlanta Dream with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Karl Smesko

The head coach of the Atlanta Dream, who prioritized rooting out inefficient shots in his first season with the team in 2025.

Hunter Cruse

A writer for Bleacher Report who predicted the Dream will select Dugalic with the 13th overall pick.

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What they’re saying

“For Atlanta, which is trying to win now, the 24-year-old—one of the older prospects in the class—could give them something right away. It just probably comes down to the jumper.”

— Hunter Cruse, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Dream will make their first-round selection in the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The Dream's trade for All-Star forward Angel Reese has significantly altered their plans for the upcoming WNBA draft, as they now look to add frontcourt depth behind Reese with their first-round pick. The selection of a versatile and experienced player like Angela Dugalic could provide immediate contributions to a Dream team that is now focused on winning in the present.