Trending Now - Angel Reese's Trade Highlights Chicago Sky's Star Retention Woes
WHO:
The New York Times - Angel Reese, two-time All-Star, was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream.
The New York Times - Jeff Pagliocca is the general manager of the Chicago Sky.
The New York Times - Chelsea Leite is a WNBA insider who commented on the trade.
WHAT:
Daily Mail Sports - Angel Reese was spotted for the first time since her trade, smiling while posing in New York City.
Newsweek - Angel Reese stated, “An Angel’s DREAM. ATL, what up?” in a post on X with pictures of herself in an Atlanta jersey after the trade.
Block Club Chicago - Fans expressed outrage over the trade, with one stating, “What you all are doing is basically franchise malpractice,” and another saying, “Sky just lost 90% of their viewership lmaooo.”
Block Club Chicago - The Chicago Sky had a record of 23-61 during Angel Reese's two seasons with the team, with the Sky finishing with the second-worst record in the league in 2025.
Block Club Chicago - Angel Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for two draft picks.
Block Club Chicago - The Chicago Sky's season is scheduled to start on May 9th, 2026, against the Portland Fire.
Block Club Chicago - The Sky's first home game at Wintrust Arena is on May 20th, 2026, against the Dallas Wings.
Newsweek - Angel Reese gave her first on-camera reaction to the trade, expressing her excitement about joining the Atlanta Dream.
The New York Times - The Chicago Sky traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream.
The New York Times - Reese was suspended for half a game due to “statements detrimental to the team.”
The New York Times - The Sky traded Reese after fans chanted for Pagliocca's firing during the last game of the 2025 season.
The New York Times - The Sky traded Kahleah Copper to the Phoenix Mercury for four draft picks, including the No. 3 overall pick in 2024.
WHERE:
The New York Times - The trade occurred in Chicago, where the Sky are based, and Reese was traded to Atlanta.
WHEN:
Block Club Chicago - The Chicago Sky is set to host the WNBA All-Star game on July 25th, 2026, at the United Center.
The New York Times - The trade was announced on Monday, April 6th, 2026.
The New York Times - Angel Reese was drafted with the seventh pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
The New York Times - Sylvia Fowles was drafted with the No. 2 pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft.
The New York Times - Elena Delle Donne was traded in December 2016.
The New York Times - Gabby Williams was traded in 2021.
The New York Times - Candace Parker left the Sky for the Las Vegas Aces in 2023.
The New York Times - Emma Meesseman left the WNBA after the 2022 season and returned in 2025.
WHY:
Newsweek - Reese was suspended for half a game last fall for conduct detrimental to the team after expressing her frustrations in an interview, stating she “might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me” if the team did not improve.
Block Club Chicago - Reese expressed frustration with the Sky's roster, stating she “might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me” if the team did not improve.
The New York Times - Reese expressed frustrations with the Sky’s season, leading to her suspension and subsequent trade.
The New York Times - Players have left the Sky citing a lack of personal space, private locker rooms, and a pro-ready training facility.
HOW:
The New York Times - The Chicago Sky's decision to trade Reese is part of a trend of losing impactful players after they express dissatisfaction with the team.
The New York Times - The Chicago Sky made a trade with the Atlanta Dream after the expansion drafts were completed.
(UPDATED April 8, 2026 01:22 UTC)
Angel Reese was spotted for the first time since her trade, smiling and posing in New York City, and she expressed her excitement on X with a post saying, “An Angel’s DREAM. ATL, what up?” Meanwhile, fans of the Chicago Sky are expressing outrage over the trade, with some calling it "franchise malpractice," as the team prepares to host the WNBA All-Star game July 25th, after finishing with a disappointing record of 23-61 during Reese's two seasons.
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(UPDATED April 7, 2026 21:14 UTC)
Angel Reese has been traded to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for two draft picks, and she shared her excitement about the move in her first on-camera reaction. The Chicago Sky's season is set to kick off May 9th against the Portland Fire, with their first home game at Wintrust Arena scheduled for May 20th against the Dallas Wings. This trade comes after Reese expressed frustration with the Sky's roster, indicating she needed to consider her own best interests if the team did not make improvements.
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(UPDATED April 7, 2026 19:23 UTC)
Angel Reese, a two-time All-Star, was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream, with the announcement made on Monday. This move follows Reese's suspension for half a game due to comments deemed detrimental to the team, and it comes after fans called for the firing of general manager Jeff Pagliocca during the last game of the 2025 season. In addition to Reese's trade, the Sky also dealt Kahleah Copper to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for four draft picks, including the No. 3 overall pick in 2024.