Angel Reese welcomed to Atlanta Dream with teammates' playful roasting

The former Chicago Sky star laughed off jokes from Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Naz Hillmon before getting emotional about her fresh start in Atlanta.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:40pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant color.The playful camaraderie between Angel Reese and her new Atlanta Dream teammates hints at the team's strong culture and chemistry as she embarks on a new chapter in her WNBA career.Chicago Today

Angel Reese was officially introduced as the newest member of the Atlanta Dream on Friday, but her debut press conference was anything but a standard welcome. Instead of a formal introduction, Reese was met with a 'roast session' from her new teammates, who playfully reminded her of past battles on the court. Despite the lighthearted jabs, the mood shifted to deeply emotional as Reese expressed gratitude for joining an organization that 'really cared about their players' and gave her a chance to start anew.

Why it matters

Reese's trade from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream marks a significant shift in the WNBA landscape. As a rising superstar who has already established herself as a double-double machine, Reese's arrival in Atlanta gives the Dream a major boost in both talent and star power. The warm, joking reception from her new teammates also suggests a strong team culture that could translate to success on the court.

The details

In her first press conference with the Atlanta Dream, Angel Reese was immediately met with playful 'roasting' from her new teammates Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Naz Hillmon. The veterans took turns making lighthearted jabs about their past matchups against Reese, with Howard noting her statistical dominance and Gray saying she 'loved playing against Chicago' because it led to some of her best games. Despite the teasing, the vibe was one of mutual respect, and Reese laughed along as she was welcomed into the Dream's sisterhood. However, the mood shifted when Reese became emotional while reflecting on leaving the Chicago Sky, expressing gratitude for joining an organization that 'really cared about their players' and gave her a chance to start anew.

  • Reese was officially traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream in April 2026.

The players

Angel Reese

A rising WNBA star who was recently traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream. Reese was the No. 7 overall pick in the legendary 2024 WNBA draft and has already established herself as a dominant double-double machine, averaging 14.0 points and 12.8 rebounds in her first two seasons.

Rhyne Howard

A veteran player for the Atlanta Dream who playfully reminded Reese of her statistical dominance in past matchups against the former Sky star.

Allisha Gray

An Atlanta Dream player who joked that she 'loved playing against Chicago' because it led to some of her best games, taking a lighthearted jab at Reese's former team.

Naz Hillmon

An Atlanta Dream player who joined in the 'roasting' of Reese, calling her 'annoying as hell' in a playful manner.

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What they’re saying

“Any time Angel's been on the other side of the court I think I had about 30.”

— Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream player

“Angel's annoying as hell.”

— Naz Hillmon, Atlanta Dream player

“Last year, I loved playing against Chicago because I had my best games.”

— Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream player

What’s next

Reese and the Atlanta Dream will look to turn their press conference chemistry into wins on the court as the 2026 WNBA season gets underway.

The takeaway

Angel Reese's trade from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream represents a significant shift in the WNBA landscape, with the rising superstar joining a team that has embraced her with open arms. The warm, joking reception from her new teammates suggests a strong team culture that could translate to success on the court as Reese looks to build on her impressive start to her professional career.