The Chicago Sky traded two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream on Monday, marking the first major offseason move of the 2024 season. The trade, announced on the first day of free agency, sends Reese to Atlanta in exchange for the Dream's 2027 and 2028 first-round picks, along with a conditional second-round pick swap in 2028.
Reese expressed excitement about the move, telling People magazine, 'ATL Barbie is here to stay.' She praised the Dream's welcoming atmosphere and culture, adding, 'I’m so excited to be in A-Town.' The trade follows a tumultuous two seasons with the Sky, during which Reese was suspended for comments deemed detrimental to the team.
The Dream quickly capitalized on the acquisition, with Reese's jersey selling out within hours of the trade announcement. The team's average home ticket price surged from $173 to $255, and social media engagement spiked, with the Dream gaining 18,000 Instagram followers while the Sky lost 10,000.
Reese, drafted seventh overall by the Sky in 2024, averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in her two seasons. The Dream, who finished 30-14 last season, hope her addition will bolster their playoff chances after three consecutive first-round exits.
The Sky, meanwhile, appear to be embracing a rebuild. The team missed the playoffs in each of Reese's two seasons and has struggled to retain star power in recent years. Reese's departure follows a disappointing 10-34 finish in 2023, her first season with the team.