The Chicago Sky have traded star ahead Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, the groups introduced Monday.
The trade is the first blockbuster move of the WNBA offseason, which is working on a condensed timeline after months of negotiations between the league and its gamers over a brand new collective bargaining settlement completed final month.
Reese, 23, was a two-time All-Star with the Sky, who chosen her with the No 7 decide in the 2024 draft after a standout faculty profession at Maryland and LSU. Reese’s rivalry with fellow rookie Caitlin Clark grew to become one of the major storylines of that season, which set information in viewership and attendance.
“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization,” Reese stated in an announcement Monday. “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 6ft 3in Reese led the WNBA in rebounds per sport for the previous two seasons, averaging a league-record 13.1 as a rookie and 12.6 in 2025. She additionally led the league in double-doubles (23) final season whereas main the Sky with 14.7 factors per sport and three.7 assists per sport. She grew to become the quickest participant in league historical past to file 500 factors and 500 rebounds.
Reese’s relationship with the Sky grew to become strained because the crew fell out of playoff rivalry for the second yr in a row. In September, she told the Chicago Tribune that Chicago “might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me” in the event that they didn’t enhance their outlook. She referred to as on coach Tyler Marsh to coach gamers tougher and stated she didn’t suppose the roster was sturdy sufficient to compete for championships.
The Sky suspended Reese for a half of a sport, saying her feedback have been “detrimental to the team”. She later apologized to her teammates and stated the remarks have been taken out of context.
“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” Chicago common supervisor Jeff Pagliocca stated in a launch. “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.”
Chicago acquired a 2027 first-round draft decide and a 2028 second-round decide in the trade. Atlanta, who went 30-14 and misplaced in the first spherical of the playoffs final yr, acquired swap rights to a second-round decide in the 2028 draft.
League homeowners ratified the CBA on 24 March. The free company interval is underneath method, with greater than 100 gamers in the marketplace. They will profit from the brand new CBA, which units this season’s wage cap at about $7m, a rise of $5.5m from final yr. Average salaries might be about $600,000, with a $300,000 minimal, and salaries for prime gamers on “supermax” contracts will attain above $1m.
The two new enlargement groups, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, held their drafts final week. Teams could make qualifying gives and designate core gamers on Monday and Tuesday. Negotiations can happen from Wednesday to Friday, and contracts could be executed beginning Saturday. The faculty draft is 13 April.
Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson has already stated she will be re-signing with the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, whereas Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart plan to stay with the New York Liberty. Clark’s contract didn’t expire on the finish of the 2025 season, so she stays with the Indiana Fever. Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Mitchell and Allisha Gray are among the many different prime free brokers to watch.
Training camp opens 19 April and the season begins 8 May.
