The Atlanta Dream made one of the biggest moves of the WNBA offseason on Monday, acquiring two time All Star Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky in a deal that signals Atlanta’s commitment to building on its historic 2025 season.
According to announcements from both franchises, the Dream will send their first round picks in 2027 and 2028 to Chicago in exchange for Reese. Atlanta will also receive the right to swap second round picks with the Sky in 2028.
For Atlanta, the move adds one of the league’s most productive young stars to a roster that already emerged as one of the WNBA’s most dangerous teams last season.
“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,” Dream General Manager Dan Padover said. “She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision. This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans.”
Reese arrives in Atlanta after a dominant start to her professional career. Drafted seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft, she quickly established herself as one of the league’s premier frontcourt players.
In just two seasons, Reese has averaged 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game across 64 career appearances. She has already recorded 49 career double doubles and earned All Rookie Team honors in 2024 after setting WNBA rookie records for rebounds per game (13.1) and consecutive double doubles (15).
Her rebounding dominance has already placed her in rare territory in league history. Reese is the only player in WNBA history to average at least 12 rebounds per game in each of her first two seasons. She also led the WNBA in rebounding in 2025, earning Peak Performer honors while being named Eastern Conference Player of the Week twice during the season.
Beyond the numbers, Reese brings championship pedigree to Atlanta. She led LSU to the 2023 NCAA National Championship and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization,” Reese said. “I’m focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I’ve got to the Dream.”
The Dream enter the 2026 season with significant momentum. Under first year head coach Karl Smesko in 2025, Atlanta finished with a franchise best 30 wins and a .682 winning percentage. Smesko’s system dramatically transformed the team’s offense, moving the Dream from last in offensive rating in 2024 to second in the league in 2025.
Smesko believes Reese’s relentless energy and two way impact will fit seamlessly into the system Atlanta is building.
“Angel’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is elite,” Smesko said. “Her energy, toughness and instincts will thrive in our system, and we’re excited to integrate her into the style of play we are constructing here in Atlanta.”
Atlanta’s breakout 2025 season featured several career performances across the roster. Allisha Gray finished fourth in MVP voting, Rhyne Howard became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 300 career three pointers, Naz Hillmon won Sixth Player of the Year, and Brionna Jones earned an All Star selection while doubling her career total of double doubles in her first season with the Dream.
For Chicago, the trade represents a strategic move focused on roster construction and future flexibility.
“The Sky are trading Angel to the Dream in exchange for two first round picks,” Chicago Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties.”
Pagliocca also acknowledged Reese’s impact on the franchise during her short but historic tenure.
“Angel has achieved 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. We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter.”
With the deal complete, Chicago now holds five first round picks over the next three seasons, including selections in 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, expectations for the Dream just got even higher. Adding one of the league’s most dominant rebounders and fastest rising stars to a roster already coming off a franchise record season sends a clear message.
The Atlanta Dream are not just trying to repeat their success. They are trying to build a championship.
