Sports

Angel Reese Has Been Traded to Atlanta Dream in a Blockbuster Deal That Shakes up the WNBA

Published on April 11, 2026

By Napoleon F. Kingcade

The Chicago Sky has just made one of the most bizarre moves that involves one of their best players in franchise history. On Monday, April 6, the Chicago Sky traded two-time WNBA All-Star and Team U.S.A center Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for a first- round pick in 2027 and 2028 in addition to a second round swap deal.

According to ESPN, the deal reshapes both teams, especially the Atlanta Dream. With the trade, the Atlanta Dream has now added one of the league’s most productive front court players to its talented basketball roster. The Dream has now grabbed an elite defender and a great rebounder who can continue to be a dominating force in the WNBA.

With the addition of Reese on the team, the Atlanta Dream will have a more explosive offense which will include Alisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Te-Hina Paopao. Since entering the WNBA in 2024 after leading LSU to a national championship, Reese has become a dominating force in the league. Despite the Chicago Sky’s disappointing 2025 season that ended with a 10-34 record, Reese still managed to defend her rebounding title by averaging 12.6 rebounds per game. Reese became the first player in WNBA history to average at least 12 rebounds in consecutive seasons. Reese also led the team in scoring and assists. She posted 14.7 points a game and averaged 3.7 assists. She also recorded a league-best 23 double-doubles in 2025.

Earlier this week, Atlanta Dream general manager Dan Padover shared his thoughts about Angel Reese coming to Atlanta, Georgia and joining to the Atlanta Dream.

“Angel Reese has already proven to be one of the most impact players in the league,” Padover. “Her competitiveness, production, and drive to win games align with our vision.”

Today, the trade of Reese has shook entire sports world. Here in Atlanta, the trade has created a great deal of excitement and has also caused sporting good stores to sell out Reese’s new jerseys. As of Tuesday morning, at many sporting good stores around Atlanta, Reese jersey were sold out within two hours. Atlanta Dream fans couldn’t wait to get their hands on an Angel Reese jersey. Even Reese’s mother took to social media by joking she wasn’t able to grab a jersey to celebrate the good news. Meantime, Atlanta Dream officials did respond by saying they could definitely help out Reese’ mother by tracking down one of her daughter’s Atlanta Dream jerseys.

Before getting traded to the Atlanta Dream, Reese had expressed her frustration with the Chicago Sky. She told the Chicago Tribune that she “might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me.” She also said if the team didn’t improve its performance on the basketball court, the Chicago Sky needed to get better players. During her interviews, Reese didn’t soften her words or hide her feelings. She knew what she brought to the table and she knew what the Chicago Sky needed to do to become a better basketball team. She also felt the team couldn’t continue to settle for a low grade of talent. Reese spoke with pride but also with an edge. After thinking about her comments, Reese later apologized to the team, but the Chicago Sky did suspend Reese for one game over her statements.

In a statement that was issued by Chicago Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca.

“Angel has achieve many record breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond. Today, we wish Angel Reese all the best in her next chapter.”

The Atlanta Dream will enter the 2026 season as a WNBA powerhouse following their successful 2025 campaign when they finished the season with a franchise-best 30 wins and a .682 winning percentage. The Dream will start off the 2026 season at home on May 17 against the defending champions Las Vegas Aces at the State Farm Arena. This season, The Dream are scheduled to play five home games at the State Farm Arena. The rest of the home games will be played at the Gateway Center at College Park.

In a statement that was given by Angel Reese on Monday, she expressed her joy and excitement of coming to Atlanta to play for the Atlanta Dream.
“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization,” said Reese. “I’m focused on continuing to grow in my game and competing at the highest level. I look forward to connecting with the fans and giving everything I have got to the Atlanta Dream.”

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