Angel Reese Excited for Fresh Start with Dream After Sky Trade

Former Sky forward says she's ready to win again after being traded to Atlanta

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:11pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, geometric shapes and vibrant colors, capturing the dynamic energy and shifting perspectives of a WNBA basketball game or match.A bold, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and shifting perspectives of a WNBA game, reflecting the high-stakes transition of star player Angel Reese to a new team.Chicago Today

Former Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is looking forward to a fresh start with the Atlanta Dream after being traded in the offseason. Reese, who led LSU to the national championship in 2023 after transferring from Maryland, says the trade feels like 'deja vu' and that she has 'that urge right now that I'm going to win again.' Reese had a tumultuous tenure with the Sky, critiquing the team's facilities, medical staff, and ability to attract free agents.

Why it matters

The trade of Reese, one of the WNBA's rising stars, is a significant move that could reshape the balance of power in the league. The Dream are hoping Reese can help them build on their strong 2025 season and make a deep playoff run, while the Sky will need to find a way to replace Reese's production and leadership.

The details

Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028. Though Reese did not formally request a trade, her comments at a recent event alluded to difficulties during her time in Chicago, including critiques of the team's facilities, medical staff, and ability to attract free agents. Reese will return to Chicago for the Dream's first preseason game against the Sky on April 29.

  • Reese led LSU to the national championship in 2023 after transferring from Maryland.
  • The Dream went 30-14 last season before falling to the Fever in the quarterfinals.
  • The Sky went a combined 27-61 during Reese's tenure before trading her.
  • Reese will return to Chicago for the Dream's first preseason game against the Sky on April 29.

The players

Angel Reese

A former forward for the Chicago Sky who was traded to the Atlanta Dream in the offseason. Reese led LSU to the national championship in 2023 after transferring from Maryland.

Chicago Sky

The WNBA team that traded Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028.

Atlanta Dream

The WNBA team that acquired Angel Reese in a trade with the Chicago Sky. The Dream are hoping Reese can help them build on their strong 2025 season and make a deep playoff run.

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What they’re saying

“'Transferring from Maryland and going to LSU and winning a championship, it feels like deja vu right now. And I get chills right now because being a part of Chicago my first two years and going to Atlanta, I just feel that urge right now that I'm going to win again.'”

— Angel Reese, WNBA Player

“'It's not easy to go be by yourself in the dark and those lonely nights and those long nights thinking by yourself. Social media has it out there to be one way. But at the end of the day, you gotta sit with yourself and tell yourself what you want in life and continue to put yourself in spaces and rooms [that] feel super uncomfortable.'”

— Angel Reese, WNBA Player

What’s next

Reese will return to Chicago for the Dream's first preseason game against the Sky on April 29, where she will face her former team for the first time since the trade.

The takeaway

The trade of Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream represents a significant shift in the WNBA landscape, as one of the league's rising stars looks to lead a new team to success after a tumultuous tenure with the Chicago Sky. Reese's comments about feeling an 'urge to win again' suggest she is highly motivated to prove herself and help the Dream reach new heights.