Fans were stunned by the recent blockbuster trade between the Chicago Sky and the Atlanta Dream involving Angel Reese. From the outside, it looked like things had fallen apart between Reese and the Sky.
She had been vocal, late last season, about the team not being ready to compete for a championship and even hinted she might leave if the roster didn’t improve. At one point, the Sky also suspended her, calling her behavior “detrimental to the team,” which only added to the idea that the relationship had turned sour.
But according to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, the reality was very different. Instead of a messy split, both sides worked together to end their two-year partnership on good terms. The Sky actually collaborated with Reese to figure out where she wanted to go, even passing on potentially better trade offers to help her land in a situation she preferred.
“It was like a mutual parting of ways instead of the storyline of she’s a diva. She’s demanding to get out. She doesn’t want to.” Andrews explained. “They didn’t owe her anything. They do, but they don’t. They can do what they feel is best for them.”
“But they worked with Angel, they worked with her representation. ‘Where do you want to go? Can we facilitate something that works for everyone involved?’ I’m told there were other deals that they could have done and gotten other things in return. But they worked to put Angel in a in a good position.”
In the end, the Chicago Sky received two first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028 in exchange for Reese.
Angel Reese expresses gratitude to Chicago following trade
Angel Reese wrapped up a strong two-year run with the Chicago Sky, putting up impressive numbers with averages of 14.1 points and 12.9 rebounds per game. While the team did not find major success during that time, her individual performances stood out and played a big role in her growth as a player. It was a meaningful stretch in her career, both on and off the court.
Chicago also became a place where she felt genuinely supported. The connection with the city and its fans clearly meant a lot to her, and she made sure to show her appreciation after the trade.
“To the city of Chicago, you showed me real love from day one,” she said in the clip. “Thank you Chicago, always Chi-Town Barbie.”
Now, she is turning the page with excitement as she begins a new chapter with the Atlanta Dream.
“Atlanta Dream, what’s up! I really dreamed of this moment,” Reese said. “I’m just living in my Barbie Dream house. I’m just having so much fun.”
“Life is good, life is great. I’m excited for this new journey in this new city and more to come.”
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