Angel Reese makes debut with Atlanta Dream in front of former Sky fans
Following a controversial trade to Atlanta, Reese received a standing ovation at Wintrust Arena as the Dream defeated her former team 87-78.
Angel Reese received a standing ovation and a tribute video from Chicago Sky fans during her first game with the Atlanta Dream against her former team. The event at Wintrust Arena marked a clean break following her controversial departure from Chicago, where she had previously criticised the front office and coaching staff. Reese finished with eight points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals in 13 minutes as the Dream won 87-78.
Sky coach Tyler Marsh praised Reese's fit with the Dream, while Reese expressed gratitude for her opportunities in Chicago and her new start with the championship-caliber Atlanta squad. Marsh noted on the court that it was his first time seeing her since the trade, telling her to go be great. Reese highlighted the support from the crowd and the seamless adjustment to her new environment alongside All-Stars Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Brionna Jones.
The trade occurred on April 6, moving Reese from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for the 2027 and 2028 first-round picks. Reese previously criticised the Chicago front office, coaching staff, and teammates in a September interview before apologising and serving a half-game suspension. She missed the final four games of the Chicago season due to a combination of her suspension, a league suspension for technical fouls, and a back injury.
During Team USA training camp in December, Reese initially stated she would not request a trade but later agreed to the move. The trade was widely panned by observers as offering too little compensation for a player of Reese's stature. Reese is now joining the Atlanta Dream alongside All-Stars Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Brionna Jones.
Reese was the No. 7 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and spent her first two seasons with the Chicago Sky. She established herself as the league's best rebounder, holding the rookie record with 13.1 rebounds per game. Reese was an All-Star in both of her first two seasons, yet the Sky finished with a combined 23-61 record and missed the playoffs both years.
The Atlanta Dream finished last season with a franchise-record 30 wins but lost in the first round of the playoffs. Reese expressed that she was able to take shots she was not comfortable with and was uplifted by her new teammates. She described the transition as feeling like a month or two months of practice, noting that the confidence placed in her by her coaches and teammates was significant.
