The Angel Reese era officially came to an end for the Chicago Sky this week.
Reese, a two-time All-Star, averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game for the Sky during her sophomore season. Despite being a double-double machine, her team only won 10 games. Prior to the end of the 2025 campaign, Reese made it clear that she wasn't thrilled with her supporting cast in Chicago.
“I’m not settling for the same s--- we did this year,” Reese told the Chicago Tribune. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a nonnegotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here, that’s what I’m going to do this offseason to make sure we attract the best of the best, because we can’t settle for what we have this year."
Instead of improving the players around Reese, the Sky opted to trade her to the Atlanta Dream for a pair of first-round draft picks.
"The Sky are trading Angel to the Dream in exchange for two first-round picks. This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties," Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said. "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."
© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Fans aren't thrilled with the Sky.
According to Legion Hoops, the official Instagram account for the Sky has lost 12,000 followers since they traded Reese. The Dream, meanwhile, have already gained 23,000 followers since pulling off this blockbuster deal.
"All they had to do was treat her right and they failed," one fan wrote on X. "I’m happy Angel is free of them."
"Wow. Can't believe Chicago traded away the face of the league," a second fan commented.
"Well now I’m gonna be an Atlanta Dream fan. I’ll get my new Angel jersey soon," another fan said.
Time will tell if the Sky regret trading away Reese this early in her career.
One thing is certain though: Atlanta's ticket sales should improve because of Reese.
