Baltimore County-native, 2-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese traded

The Atlanta Dream acquired the star forward from the Chicago Sky in exchange for first-round draft picks.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors.The trade of star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream represents a major shift in the WNBA landscape, as the team looks to build a championship contender around her elite skills.Baltimore Today

The Atlanta Dream have acquired two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky 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, a 23-year-old Baltimore County native, has averaged 14.1 points and 12.9 rebounds in her first two WNBA seasons, earning All-Star honors each year.

Why it matters

The trade represents a major move for the Atlanta Dream, who are looking to build on their franchise-record 30-win season in 2025 and cement themselves as one of the top teams in the WNBA. Reese, a dominant inside presence, will join an already talented roster that includes Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Brionna Jones.

The details

In the deal, the Dream sent Chicago first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, as well as the right to swap second-round picks in 2028. Reese, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, has been a standout in her first two seasons, earning All-Star selections in both years. However, she expressed frustration with the Sky's 10-34 finish last season and indicated she might need to 'move in a different direction' if the team didn't improve.

  • The trade was completed on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Reese averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game last season.

The players

Angel Reese

A 23-year-old forward who was a two-time WNBA All-Star with the Chicago Sky.

Dan Padover

The general manager of the Atlanta Dream.

Jeff Pagliocca

The general manager of the Chicago Sky.

Karl Smesko

The head coach of the Atlanta Dream.

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What they’re saying

“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta. She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision. This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans.”

— Dan Padover, General Manager, Atlanta Dream

“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties. Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond. We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter.”

— Jeff Pagliocca, General Manager, Chicago Sky

“Angel's ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is elite. Her energy, toughness and instincts will thrive in our system, and we're excited to integrate her into the style of play we are constructing here in Atlanta.”

— Karl Smesko, Head Coach, Atlanta Dream

“I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization. I'm focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I've got to the Dream.”

— Angel Reese

What’s next

The Atlanta Dream will look to integrate Reese into their system and build around her as they aim to contend for a WNBA championship in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The trade of Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream represents a major move that could shift the balance of power in the WNBA. Reese's combination of elite scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills make her one of the league's most dominant players, and her addition to an already talented Dream roster raises their ceiling as a championship contender.