Angel Reese Seeks Greater Opportunity with Atlanta Dream After Time in Chicago.

According to an Associated Press report published on April 17, 2026, Angel Reese expressed appreciation for her development with the Chicago Sky but emphasized her desire for a more competitive environment, which led to her move to the Atlanta Dream. Reese, who spent two seasons with Chicago, was traded to Atlanta on April 6 in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028, along with a 2028 second-round pick swap. During her tenure with the Sky, Reese established herself as one of the league’s top players, leading the WNBA in rebounds in both seasons. At her introductory press conference in Atlanta, Reese highlighted her motivation for the transition. While acknowledging her growth in Chicago, she stated that she wanted to be surrounded by teammates who could elevate her performance and contribute to winning at a higher level. Reese emphasized her competitive nature and focus on team success over individual recognition. In the previous season, Reese averaged 14.7 points and a league-leading 12.6 rebounds per game. She now joins an Atlanta team coming off a record-setting 30-win season under head coach Karl Smesko. The Dream retained key players during the offseason, including Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, Jordin Canada, and Naz Hillmon. Several of these players earned league honors, contributing to Atlanta’s strong performance. Howard noted that Reese fills a crucial gap for the team and could play a significant role in their pursuit of a championship. Reese’s departure from Chicago followed a challenging season in which the Sky finished 10–34. Late in the season, Reese publicly expressed frustration with the team’s roster, suggesting she might need to consider other options if improvements were not made.

Although she later apologized, she faced a brief suspension and missed the final games due to a back injury, prompting speculation about her future with the team. Reese explained that her move to Atlanta was mutually desired, allowing her to join an organization aligned with her goals. Dream general manager Dan Padover described the acquisition as part of a successful offseason strategy focused on retaining core players while adding impactful talent. Overall, Reese’s transition reflects her ambition to compete at a higher level and contribute to a team aiming for a championship.