Jeff Pagliocca, who is the general manager of the Chicago Sky, has drawn criticism online for his recent comments following the Angel Reese trade. The Sky traded Reese at the start of free agency, sending her to the Atlanta Dream in return for draft compensation.
After trading Reese, the Sky reinforced their ranks by signing seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins, Azura Stevens and the 2024 Most Improved Player, DiJonai Carrington. Speaking on the Sky’s approach this summer, Pagliocca told reporters that they’re trying to win now.
“I mean, we have had two losing seasons, so you’re always trying to win now,” Pagliocca said. “I think when you get into a conversation with an Azura Stevens or Skylar Diggins … they need to feel confident. … I don’t want to deal with Skylar Diggins every night if she doesn’t have players she can go to war with.”
His comments led to criticism from the Chicago Sky fanbase, with fans alleging that he did not show the same willingness to build around Angel Reese.
“Seems like they coulda kept Angel and still made these moves lol,” one fan said.
“It’s clear as day they wasn’t f***ing with Angel. Glad she got up outta there,” another fan said.
“And I hope they lose every single game. Because this is hypocrisy at its finest,” a fan commented.
“Why not do this for Angel Reese? People just love to hate her,” one fan wrote.
“Angel asked for the same things and she got traded, make it make sense,” another fan wrote.
“We can’t settle”: Angel Reese on the Chicago Sky last season
In September last season, Angel Reese gave an interview to the Chicago Tribune, expressing her wish for the team to improve.
“I’m not settling for the same s−−− we did this year,” Reese told the Tribune. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.”
Reese was disciplined by the team for her comments and traded a few months later. Her trade and the Sky’s recent moves in free agency have led to significant criticism for Pagliocca, with fans citing that these moves would’ve been possible even with Reese on the roster.
Read More: Atlanta Dream Depth Chart 2026: How Does Angel Reese’s New Team Look After Madina Okot’s Selection
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