The Chicago Sky made a franchise-altering decision Monday, trading Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for two future first-round picks — a move that has drawn sharp and divided reactions across the WNBA landscape.
Chicago received first-round selections in 2027 and 2028, along with 2028 second-round swap rights, according to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, signaling a shift toward long-term roster building after back-to-back losing seasons.
Taylor Rooks of NBA on Prime first reported the deal.
The trade immediately became one of the year’s most debated deals.
“Chicago just got away with highway robbery,” one fan wrote.
Another countered: “You don’t trade an all-time great. That’s what this trade says.”
Sky Prioritize Future Flexibility
The decision comes after a difficult stretch for Chicago, which went 10-34 last season and missed the playoffs for the second straight year.
Despite Reese’s individual success — leading the team in scoring, rebounding and assists — the Sky struggled to build a consistent contender around her.
“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement.
Reese averaged 14.7 points and a league-best 12.6 rebounds last season, becoming one of the most productive young players in the league.
Still, Chicago opted to capitalize on her value.
“Definitely cannot fault Chicago for capitalizing on the value, receiving two firsts for Reese,” one fan posted.
Mixed Reaction to Moving a Franchise Star
Reese’s departure has sparked emotional responses from fans, particularly given her status as one of the faces of the league.
“Chicago will regret this move for years to come,” one reaction read. “Rather than build around a generational skillset, you just trade her.”
Another added: “Traded a top 10 player and a face of the league for two picks.”
Others, however, supported the move as a necessary reset.
“This is great for Chicago,” one fan wrote. “Both sides needed the split.”
The debate reflects a larger question: whether rebuilding through draft capital outweighs keeping a proven star.
Tension and Fit Played a Role
Reese’s relationship with the Sky became strained late last season after she publicly questioned the team’s roster construction.
“I’m not settling for the same [things] we did this year,” Reese told the Chicago Tribune in September.
Her comments led to a brief suspension, and she later missed time with a back injury before apologizing to teammates.
Those developments added context to the organization’s decision to move forward in a different direction.
Draft Capital Offers New Direction
With the deal, Chicago now holds five first-round picks over the next three seasons — a significant asset base for a rebuilding team.
“Quite the steal for the Sky,” one fan wrote.
The organization appears committed to reshaping its roster through the draft and potentially building a more balanced lineup.
Still, the risk remains.
Reese is only 23 and already one of the most dominant rebounders in league history, making her departure a gamble.
A Defining Move for Chicago’s Future
The trade represents a clear pivot for the Sky — one that will likely define the franchise for years to come.
If the draft picks translate into impact players, Chicago could accelerate its rebuild.
If Reese continues to develop into a superstar in Atlanta, the decision could face long-term scrutiny.
For now, the reaction across the WNBA underscores the magnitude of the move.
Chicago didn’t just trade a player.
It traded one of the league’s brightest young stars and bet on the future instead.
WNBA World Reacts to Angel Reese Trade as Chicago Sky Pivot to Future With Draft Haul