Sky trade two-time All-Star Angel Reese to Atlanta Dream

The return for the franchise cornerstone leaves much to be desired, raising questions about the Sky's long-term vision.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.The departure of a young star like Angel Reese leaves the Chicago Sky's future in flux, as the franchise navigates a complex roster transition.Chicago Today

The Chicago Sky have traded two-time WNBA All-Star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for the Dream's first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028. The move comes as a surprise, as Reese was expected to be a pillar of the Sky's franchise for years to come. However, tensions between Reese and the organization had reportedly been building, leading to the deal.

Why it matters

The trade of a young, talented player like Reese for what appears to be a modest return in future draft picks raises questions about the Sky's long-term strategy and commitment to building a championship contender. Reese had been viewed as a key part of the Sky's future, and her departure creates a significant void that the team will need to address.

The details

The Sky will receive no players or immediate draft assets in the trade, only the Dream's first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. Given the Dream's recent success, those picks are likely to be late in the first round and may not yield high-impact talent. Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca cited a need for 'roster balance' as the rationale for the deal, but the return seems underwhelming for a two-time All-Star of Reese's caliber.

  • The trade was announced on April 6, 2026.
  • Reese was a two-time WNBA All-Star in her first two seasons with the Sky.

The players

Angel Reese

A two-time WNBA All-Star forward who was expected to be a cornerstone of the Chicago Sky franchise.

Jeff Pagliocca

The general manager of the Chicago Sky, who cited a need for 'roster balance' as the rationale for trading Reese.

Atlanta Dream

The WNBA team that acquired Reese in exchange for future draft picks.

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What they’re saying

“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties. Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. 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. We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter.”

— Jeff Pagliocca, General Manager, Chicago Sky

What’s next

The Sky will have the next two weeks of the WNBA's free agency period to try and rebuild their roster and create a sense of direction for the franchise following the departure of Reese.

The takeaway

The trade of Angel Reese, a young and talented two-time All-Star, for a modest return of future draft picks raises serious questions about the Sky's long-term vision and commitment to building a championship contender. The departure of a player viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise creates a significant void that the team will need to address in the coming weeks and months.