Angel Reese Traded to Atlanta Dream in Blockbuster Deal

The move shakes up the WNBA landscape as the young star heads to a new team.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:40pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of color and form capturing the sport's intensity.The blockbuster trade of star player Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream reshapes the WNBA landscape with a bold, geometric visual style.Chicago Today

In a surprising move on the opening day of WNBA free agency, the Chicago Sky traded star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for the Dream's 2027 and 2028 first-round draft picks. The trade has major implications for both teams and the league as a whole.

Why it matters

Reese is considered one of the brightest young talents in the WNBA, so her departure from the Sky is a significant loss for the team. However, the trade provides the Dream with a potential franchise-changing player as they look to build a contender. The move also sets up an intriguing rivalry between Reese and the Sky, who will face off against their former star multiple times a season.

The details

The Sky, who were swept in the first round of the playoffs this past season, decided to part ways with Reese, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, in order to acquire valuable future draft capital. The Dream, meanwhile, are hoping that adding Reese's scoring punch and defensive prowess will help them take the next step as an organization.

  • The trade was announced on April 7, 2026, the opening day of WNBA free agency.
  • Reese was the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year.

The players

Angel Reese

A 23-year-old forward who was the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year with the Chicago Sky.

Chicago Sky

The WNBA team that traded Reese to the Atlanta Dream.

Atlanta Dream

The WNBA team that acquired Reese in the trade with the Chicago Sky.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not settling for the same shit we did this year,”

— Angel Reese, WNBA Player

What’s next

The trade is expected to be finalized in the coming days, with Reese joining the Dream for the start of the 2026 WNBA season. The Sky will look to use the two first-round picks they acquired to help rebuild their roster.

The takeaway

This blockbuster trade shakes up the WNBA landscape, providing the Dream with a potential franchise-altering player in Reese while forcing the Sky to chart a new course after their disappointing 2025 season. The move also sets the stage for an exciting new rivalry between Reese and her former team.