Bayou Barbie: Angel Reese Traded to Atlanta Weeks Before Season Start

The 23-year-old star is on her way to the Peach State after reported drama in Chicago.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of navy blue, bright orange, and metallic gold overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.The trade of star player Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream highlights the complex dynamics of team chemistry and player management in the WNBA.Chicago Today

Angel Reese, a two-time WNBA All-Star known for her rebounding prowess and social media presence, has been traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream just weeks before the start of the new season. The move comes after reports of locker room drama and Reese publicly criticizing her former team's lack of talent.

Why it matters

Reese is considered one of the league's most marketable young stars, so her trade to Atlanta is a significant shakeup for the WNBA right before the season tips off. The move also highlights the challenges of managing high-profile players and team chemistry in a league where winning is paramount.

The details

In her first two WNBA seasons, Reese made the All-Star team and was an MVP candidate as a rookie. However, the Sky struggled to win, going just 23-61 during her time there. Reports indicate Reese's public criticism of her teammates and the team's talent level led to considerable turmoil, prompting the trade. The Dream, who have veteran stars Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner, are hoping Reese's talent and personality will mesh better in Atlanta.

  • The WNBA season begins on May 8, 2026.
  • Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream in early April 2026, just weeks before the start of the new season.

The players

Angel Reese

A 23-year-old WNBA star known for her rebounding skills and social media presence, who was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream.

Brionna Jones

A veteran WNBA player who currently plays for the Atlanta Dream.

Brittney Griner

A veteran WNBA player who currently plays for the Atlanta Dream.

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What they’re saying

“Angel Reese is known for rebounding her own missed shots. But it appears she will no longer be rebounding her own shots in Chicago.”

— Dylan Gwinn, Author

What’s next

The WNBA season begins on May 8, 2026, giving Reese and the Dream little time to integrate before the start of the new campaign.

The takeaway

Reese's trade to Atlanta highlights the challenges of managing high-profile players and team chemistry in the WNBA, where winning is paramount. The move also underscores the league's efforts to promote its most marketable young stars as it seeks to grow its fanbase.