Angel Reese trade raises new questions about Chicago Sky's direction
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Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky celebrates during a game in 2025. Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
The Angel Reese era in Chicago is over before it ever really began.
The latest: The Chicago Sky traded the WNBA megastar to the Atlanta Dream for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, the team announced Monday.
Why it matters: Reese is one of the league's brightest young stars and was a major draw at Wintrust Arena.
What they're saying: "This trade is designed to achieve roster balance," Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a release. "We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter."
Context: Drafted by the Sky in 2024, Reese quickly became the face of a retooling franchise, following the team's first WNBA championship in 2021.
- She set the single-season rebounding record (446) as a rookie and posted a record 15 straight double-doubles.
- She made the All-Star team in each of her two seasons.
Yes, but: The Sky never made the playoffs with Reese and she struggled to score away from the basket.
- Late last season, she publicly tussled with the front office about her frustration with the roster and the team's direction. She even hinted at forcing a trade if the team didn't fix its issues.
- She was suspended for half a game for "statements detrimental to the team."
Between the lines: This isn't new territory for the Sky.
- Reese joins former stars like Elena Delle Donne and Kahleah Copper, who were also traded away in their prime.
- The pattern raises questions about whether the Sky is competing with some of the bigger WNBA franchises in terms of resources, facilities, and the ability to attract big-name talent.
State of play: "Another disappointing star turn (and run) for the Chicago Sky," WNBA analyst Sarah Spain tells Axios. Spain hosts the daily women's sports podcast, "Good Game with Sarah Spain."
- "Take a look at the all-time roster for the franchise and you'll see some of the greatest names in women's basketball history, most of whom demanded a trade to play for teams with better resources and facilities, top-tier leadership and the chance to contend."
Zoom out: Reese's on-court hustle and off-court personality made her one of Chicago's biggest and brightest sports stars, next to names like Caleb Williams, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Connor Bedard.
- She also turned heads by attending the Met Gala twice, flexing her fashion prowess on the carpet.
The intrigue: Reese entered the league as a polarizing star, fueled by her rivalry with Caitlin Clark, arguably the league's most popular star.
- The rivalry carried over to the pros and spurred racist and sexist taunts against Reese, which continued during her tenure in Chicago.
What's next: The Sky, which was rebuilding around Reese and fellow 2024 first-round pick Kamilla Cardoso, will now look to rebuild again.
- "Chicago sports fans deserve better," Spain adds. "If the franchise doesn't catch up to the teams at the top of this league, they're going to continue to be a revolving door."
The bottom line: Another star exit raises bigger questions about the Sky's direction.