Major 2-for-2 Trade Officially Announced! WNBA Rebounding Leader Reese Joins Dream, Sky Acquire Two First-Round Picks

On April 7 Beijing time, the WNBA team Chicago Sky officially announced that they have traded two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, receiving a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick. The Dream will also obtain the right to swap a 2028 second-round pick. This is a 2-for-2 trade. The Atlanta Dream officially welcomed Reese's arrival; she will wear jersey number 5 for the Dream.

The 23-year-old Reese led the WNBA in rebounds last season, averaging 12.6 rebounds per game. She is the only player in WNBA history to average at least 12 rebounds per game in a single season, achieving this feat consecutively in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Reese also led the league with 23 double-doubles last season and was the Sky's top scorer (14.7 points) and assist leader (3.7 assists).

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream,” Reese stated. “I will focus on continuing to improve my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with fans, and giving my all for the Dream.”

Sources told ESPN that Reese did not request a trade; the Sky worked closely with her to find a new destination, and there was no conflict between the parties. The Sky have missed the playoffs for two consecutive years and are expected to undergo a complete roster rebuild this offseason.

In Atlanta, Reese will join forces with standout guard Alyssa Gray (who ranked fourth in MVP voting last season) and Rhyne Howard. The Dream finished third in the WNBA regular season last year with a 30-14 record but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Indiana Fever.

“Angel is exceptionally talented and fits perfectly with the roster we are building in Atlanta,” Dream General Manager Dan Padover said in a statement. “She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league. Her competitiveness, performance, and desire to win align closely with our team philosophy. This is an exciting moment for the team and our fans.”

Reese was selected by the Sky as the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, but last season she publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the team's point guard situation and indicated she might consider leaving if the team did not acquire strong reinforcements in the offseason, which strained relations.

“I won't accept another poor performance like this year,” Reese told the Chicago Tribune in September. “We must bring in good players, we must bring in top-tier players; that's nonnegotiable for me. I want to play with the best players.”

“I hope to spend my entire career here, but if things don't progress, I will obviously choose another path and make the decision that's best for me. But while I'm here, I'll try to stay open-minded and maximize everything we have.”

The Sky deemed these remarks “detrimental to the team” and suspended her for the first half of one game. However, Reese did not play in the second half of that game or in the final three games of the season, with the team citing a back injury.

Reese later apologized to her teammates regarding the comments.

Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliuca stated: “This trade aims to balance our roster and presents an excellent opportunity for all parties. Angel set multiple records in her first two WNBA seasons and was a highly competitive core player for the Sky. We thank her for her significant contributions to the league and our team and believe she will continue to have a major impact on and off the court.”

“We wish Angel all the best in her new chapter.”

Last season, the Sky recorded only 1 win and 13 losses when Reese was absent, finishing with a total record of 10-34 and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

The 1.91-meter forward led Louisiana State University to the 2023 NCAA championship. Her rookie contract runs through 2026, with the team holding a 2027 team option.

The Chicago Sky will hold five first-round draft picks over the next three years.