Chicago Sky Trade All-Star Angel Reese for Future Draft Picks

The blockbuster move signals a major roster reset for the struggling WNBA franchise.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:22am

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or match, with sharp, geometric shapes and planes representing the dynamic action on the court.A bold roster reset signals a new era for the Chicago Sky as they trade away a young superstar in pursuit of future success.Chicago Today

The Chicago Sky have traded two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for two future first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028. The move comes after just two seasons with the Sky, during which Reese established herself as one of the league's elite rebounders but the team struggled to a 23-61 record. The trade suggests the Sky are hitting the reset button on their roster strategy and looking to reshape the team through future draft capital.

Why it matters

This trade represents a significant pivot for the Sky, who invested heavily in Reese as a cornerstone piece just two years ago. The willingness to move on from a young star player so quickly signals a fundamental reevaluation of the team's roster and a desire to take a new direction, even if it means parting with established talent. It raises questions about player-team dynamics and the challenges of building a winning WNBA franchise.

The details

In the deal, the Sky will receive two future first-round picks from the Dream in 2027 and 2028. Reese, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, made the All-Star team in each of her first two seasons with the Sky. However, the team struggled to a 23-61 record during her tenure, with Reese missing time due to back and wrist injuries. The trade comes amid reports of Reese expressing concerns about the Sky's ownership and management, suggesting underlying tensions may have played a role in the decision.

  • The trade was finalized on April 13, 2026.
  • The Sky will receive the Dream's first-round picks in 2027 and 2028.

The players

Angel Reese

A two-time WNBA All-Star who was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 draft by the Chicago Sky.

Chicago Sky

The WNBA franchise that traded Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for future draft picks.

Atlanta Dream

The WNBA franchise that acquired Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky in the trade.

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What’s next

The Sky will look to utilize the two future first-round picks acquired in the trade to reshape their roster during the upcoming WNBA free agency period.

The takeaway

This trade represents a bold move by the Chicago Sky to hit the reset button on their roster and rebuild through future draft capital. It raises questions about the challenges of building a winning WNBA franchise and the complex dynamics between players, coaches, and team management.