In a stunning move announced on April 6, 2026, the Chicago Sky have traded two-time WNBA All-Star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. In exchange, the Sky will receive Atlanta’s first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 WNBA Drafts, along with 2028 second-round swap rights.
The trade marks the end of Reese’s brief but impactful tenure with the Sky, where she was selected 7th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft out of LSU.
Over her first two seasons, the 6-3 forward established herself as one of the league’s most dominant rebounders, becoming the only player in WNBA history to average at least 12.0 rebounds per game in a season (doing so in both 2024 and 2025).
She earned All-Star honors in each of her first two years and defended her rebounding title in 2025 with averages around 12.6–12.9 rebounds per game, while also contributing double-digit scoring.15
Why Atlanta? A Perfect Fit for a Contender
The Atlanta Dream, who finished the 2025 season with the WNBA’s third-best record at 30-14 before falling in the first round of the playoffs, have been building a formidable core.
With dynamic guards Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray (the latter finishing fourth in MVP voting last year) already providing elite scoring, playmaking, and defense on the perimeter, the team has long sought a young, energetic frontcourt presence to anchor the paint and energize the fanbase.
Reese fills that role perfectly. Her relentless rebounding, physicality, and ability to dominate the glass pair naturally with Atlanta’s guard-heavy attack.
Recent rumors had Dream players Howard and Gray actively “recruiting” Reese via social media and off-court comments, hinting at strong internal interest in teaming up with the “Bayou Barbie.”
The addition comes as the Dream potentially navigate transitions in their frontcourt, following Brittney Griner’s time with the team and other veteran situations.
For Reese, the move offers a fresh start on a playoff-caliber roster with immediate contention potential, rather than continuing in a rebuilding Chicago environment that struggled to a 10-34 record in 2025.
What It Means for Both Teams
For the Atlanta Dream:
- Immediate boost to interior dominance and second-chance opportunities.
- A young star (Reese is just 23) to build around long-term alongside Howard and Gray.
- Heightened excitement in Atlanta, as evidenced by the team already moving high-profile 2026 home games — including matchups involving Reese and Caitlin Clark — to the larger State Farm Arena to accommodate surging fan demand.14
For the Chicago Sky:
- A strategic reset, acquiring future first-round assets to support a new rebuild after two difficult seasons.
- The departure allows the front office to rebalance the roster around other young pieces and draft capital.
Reese’s Impact and Legacy So Far
Known for her fiery competitiveness, rebounding prowess, and growing cultural influence off the court, Reese has been a transformative figure in the WNBA’s rising popularity.
Her rivalry with Indiana’s Caitlin Clark has drawn massive audiences, and her presence consistently fills arenas. In limited matchups against the Dream, she has posted strong numbers, including double-doubles with high rebound totals.
Off the court, Reese has stayed active in Unrivaled (the 3-on-3 league), recently returning to Rose BC, and has represented USA Basketball.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
With the 2026 WNBA season approaching, Reese’s arrival in Atlanta could shift the Eastern Conference balance.
The Dream now boast a more complete roster capable of making a deeper playoff run. For Reese, it’s an opportunity to chase her first championship while continuing to build her legacy as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Fans in Atlanta are already buzzing — the “ATL Barbie” era is about to begin. This trade not only reshapes two franchises but also adds another layer of excitement to a WNBA landscape that continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness.