Though it is a basketball, not a baseball, league, the WNBA was thrown a curveball on Monday.
As first reported by Taylor Rooks, Angel Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream. In exchange, the Sky will receive a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick from the Dream. Plus, they are sending over a 2028 second-round pick swap to Atlanta.
The trade
officially ends Reese’s high-profile two-year stint with the Sky.
In 2024, Reese was the No. 7 overall pick in the WNBA Draft coming out of LSU. Along the way, Reese played in 64 games with the Sky, averaging 14.1 points and 12.9 rebounds. Furthermore, she became a two-time WNBA All-Star and set records for rebounds and double-doubles, while, undoubtedly, becoming a fan favorite in Chicago.
Sky general manger Jeff Pagliocca said of Reese’s tenure:
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.
Truth be told, the signs were there that this would happen.
It’s no secret that Chicago is a poorly run organization, plagued by an outdated ownership structure, a revolving door of coaches and high player turnover. All of that culminated in the Sky missing the playoffs during Reese’s first two seasons. Last year, they went 10-34, tied for the worst record in the league.
The mentality from the top has been gradual over growth. In other words, work with what they have rather than rebuild from scratch for the long haul.
The Sky have yet to receive their own state-of-the-art training facility, unlike other teams. They have been practicing at the Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield, which is open to the public, for too long. While the facility is scheduled to open this year, they have had to endure one setback after another. Then, in February, principal owner Michael Alter was sued by minority owner Steve Rodgers for mismanagement of the team.
When you contextualize all this, this is not suitable for a player of Reese’s caliber or stature.
Contrast Chicago to Atlanta, where there is promise. The Dream are coming off a season in which they won 30 games and made it to the playoffs. Not only that, they have solid core in Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada, along with Naz Hillmon, Brionna Jones and Te-Hina Paopao.
The Dream’s style of play also fits Reese’s game, bringing high energy, intensity and, most of all, a winning attitude. Reese has had to shoulder the burden of carrying a losing franchise that seemingly dreads to play versus wanting to play. Now, Reese no longer has to endure that, and she can go out to play without being alone. Plus, she will have access to all the amenities and accommodations that were denied her in Chicago.
As for the Sky, hopefully, this will be their long-overdue wake-up call. It’s going to be five years this year since they made their improbable run to the WNBA title in 2021. Since then, it’s been a never-ending stream of discontent, disillusionment and downfall.
When you lose Angel Reese, it’s not just a roster move; it’s a warning sign that has been flashing brightly for five years and has been ignored.
Will they finally respond to it? Clearly, it’s not anytime soon.
