CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: Angel Reese 5 of the Atlanta Dream looks on during the first half against the Chicago Sky on April 29, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 29 Preseason Atlanta Dreamagainst the Chicago Sky EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260429012
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: Angel Reese 5 of the Atlanta Dream looks on during the first half against the Chicago Sky on April 29, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 29 Preseason Atlanta Dreamagainst the Chicago Sky EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260429012
After the Chicago Sky traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. While the All-Star is prioritizing championship development under head coach Karl Smesko, fans are now debating whether Reese forced the move or was sent away by the Sky front office.
"I was just seeing how the player development was for (Karl Smesko) and how he developed Naz (Hillmon) in one year, and how I wanted that," she said.
"I wanted to win. I wanted to come somewhere where I was gonna be able to win, and it was the perfect fit for me," added Angel Reese.
"I wanted (to go somewhere) so I could help a team get to the championship because I’ve won at every level." She explained. "I want to win a WNBA championship, no matter what it looks like for me."
The two-time All-Star and two-time rebounding champion looks happy with the trade. She has also been in form, averaging 10.7 points and 12.7 rebounds.
According to @PolymarketHoops, she already has more rebounds than 87.3% of all players in WNBA history. She has also been averaging 1.7 blocks per game.
Although Angel Reese sounded like she decided to leave the Sky, fans have commented otherwise.
Fans React To Angel Reese's Comments on The Sky-Dream Trade
"She didn’t choose, she was traded & had no say in the matter. Lol, know the game Rookie Media," one fan commented.
Another fan stated something similar, "Angel didn’t 'choose' Atlanta — Chicago chose for her because they were a willing trade partner."
Chicago didn't explicitly mention the reason behind the trade. Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca said, "This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties.”
Another fan had a different opinion from the majority and stated, "Yall hating bad in the comments she did choose Atlanta and Chicago FO confirmed that."
One fan highlighted a development opportunity: "If they can turn her jumper/3 from water to whine like Naz’s last year Smesko deserves unanimous COY no matter what the Dream record ends up being lol."
Reese has been in good form so far, with Dream having won three out of the four games played. Dream won their recent game against Dallas Wings 86-69, with Reese having nine rebounds.
They play the Phoenix Mercury next, a team with four losses already. Dream would be hoping to continue their fine form to win this game as well.
Written by
Dhruv Singh
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi