Sky Trade Angel Reese in WNBA-Altering Deal
Angel Reese is headed to the Atlanta Dream for the 2026 WNBA season in a move that will immediately reshape both franchises. According to Taylor Rooks, the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream have agreed to a trade centered around the All-Star forward.
Reese, one of the league's most dominant frontcourt players, is coming off a standout season where she averaged 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Her rebounding presence and physicality in the paint, made her a cornerstone for Chicago, now she gives Atlanta a significant boost to their frontcourt.
BREAKING: Angel Reese is headed to the Atlanta Dream.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) April 6, 2026
Sources tell me the Atlanta Dream and the Chicago Sky have agreed to a trade.
For the Dream, this move signals a clear intention to strengthen their frontcourt, as well as adding to their young core. Reese brings a defensive presence to Atlanta, while also improving their rebounding on both ends of the glass. Reese's motor, toughness, and ability to generate second-chance opportunities could immediately elevate Atlanta's competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.
While full trade details have yet to be disclosed, the deal marks the first major domino of the WNBA's free agency period, which officially opened today. We await more details.
According to the press release from the Atlanta Dream, the Chicago Sky will send Angel Reese along with swap rights to a 2028 second-round pick. In return, Atlanta parts with its 2027 and 2028 firsr-round selections to secure one of the league's premier young forwards.
The move underscores Atlanta's urgency to contend. The Dream have reached the first round of the WNBA playoffs in echa of the past two seasons, but this deal signals a push beyond early exits. Adding Reese gives Atlanta a relentless rebounder and interior presence capable of anchoring both ends of the floor.
For Chicago, the trade marks a definitive step toward a long-term rebuild. While losing Reese is a significant blow to the frontcourt, the Sky now controls multiple first-round assets across the next three drafts. With the No. 5 pick in the upcoming 2026 WNBA draft, plus additional first-rounders in the 2027 and 2028 drafts, Chicago has positioned itself to reshape its roster with young talent.
To remain competitive in the short term, Chicago will need to supplement its roster with veteran depth. As it stands, the Sky's core—Kamilla Cardoso, Maddy Westbeld, and Haley Van Lith—remains promising but inexperienced, making development and roster balance key priorities moving forward.
Deadria is a contributing writer for On SI, covering the Chicago Sky and bringing thoughtful, in-depth coverage of the WNBA. They also write The Shot Clock Corner, a Substack dedicated to the Washington Mystics, WNBL, and WNBA where their work blends analysis, story telling, and a deep appreciation for the women’s game. Deadria captures the moments that define the game and the players who shape it.