Angel Reese opens up about 'uncomfortable' reality after Dream trade

Two-time WNBA All-Star discusses challenges of high-profile move to Atlanta

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a WNBA basketball game, with the sharp planes and shapes representing the emotional complexity of a star player adjusting to a new team and city.A WNBA star's trade to a new team sparks an uncomfortable but reinvigorating transition.Chicago Today

Angel Reese, a two-time WNBA All-Star with the Chicago Sky, has opened up about the 'uncomfortable' reality she's facing after being traded to the Atlanta Dream on Monday. The Victoria's Secret model explained that while she feels reinvigorated to win another championship, the transition has involved 'scary steps' and being in unfamiliar spaces.

Why it matters

Reese is one of the WNBA's rising stars, having won a national championship with LSU in 2023 before becoming a two-time All-Star with the Sky. Her high-profile trade to the Dream is a significant move that will impact both teams and the league as a whole.

The details

Reese, who is also a Victoria's Secret model, was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream on Monday. The 24-year-old forward discussed the challenges of the move, saying she feels like she's experiencing 'deja vu' from transferring colleges and winning a title at LSU. Reese acknowledged that the transition has involved 'scary steps' and putting herself in 'uncomfortable spaces' as she adjusts to a new team and city.

  • Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Angel Reese

A 24-year-old forward who was a two-time WNBA All-Star with the Chicago Sky before being traded to the Atlanta Dream.

Chicago Sky

The WNBA team that traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream.

Atlanta Dream

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

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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,”

— Angel Reese

The takeaway

Reese's high-profile trade to the Dream highlights the challenges even star players can face when moving to a new team and city, as she navigates unfamiliar territory and uncomfortable situations. However, her championship pedigree and competitive drive suggest she is poised to thrive in Atlanta and lead the Dream to new heights.