Angel Reese opens up on Chicago Sky departure: 'I wanted more'

WNBA star cites desire to win more as reason for trade to Atlanta Dream

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:48am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game between two players, with sharp geometric shapes and bold, vibrant colors representing the competitive spirit of the matchup.The heated rivalry between WNBA stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark is set to intensify as Reese joins a new team, creating a must-watch matchup for basketball fans.Chicago Today

WNBA star Angel Reese spoke out about her recent departure from the Chicago Sky during her first news conference with the Atlanta Dream on Friday. Reese said she was grateful for her time in Chicago but wanted more, citing her love of winning and competing. The Dream acquired Reese from the Sky earlier this month in exchange for draft picks.

Why it matters

Reese is one of the WNBA's most recognizable stars, known for her ongoing rivalry with Caitlin Clark. Her departure from the Sky and move to the Dream could set up an intriguing matchup between the two teams as they compete for a championship.

The details

Reese led the WNBA in rebounds in each of her two seasons with the Sky. She said she wanted to be surrounded by players who could help her improve as a player and that winning is her top priority. The Dream acquired Reese in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028, as well as the right to swap second-round picks with Chicago in 2028.

  • Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream on April 6, 2026.
  • Reese held her first news conference with the Dream on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Angel Reese

A WNBA star who was recently traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream, known for her ongoing rivalry with Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin Clark

A WNBA player for the Indiana Fever who has an ongoing rivalry with Angel Reese dating back to their college days.

Chicago Sky

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

Atlanta Dream

The WNBA team that acquired Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky in exchange for draft picks.

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What they’re saying

“I'm always gonna be grateful for that because I did experience a lot of great things. I enjoyed being able to grow within my first two years, but I wanted more. I love to win, I love to compete and I wanted to be surrounded by people that can make me better.”

— Angel Reese, WNBA Player

“And I am not satisfied with what I am as a player, and I felt like being around these kinds of players would help me be better. I can help them in different ways to help them win, and that's all I ever wanted.”

— Angel Reese, WNBA Player

What’s next

With Reese now on the Atlanta Dream, the team could prove to be a legitimate challenger to Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever as they compete for a WNBA championship in 2026.

The takeaway

Reese's departure from the Chicago Sky highlights her desire to win and compete at the highest level. Her move to the Atlanta Dream could set up an intriguing matchup between her and rival Caitlin Clark as the two teams battle for a WNBA title.