The Atlanta Dream acquired the services of Angel Reese in the free agency period, ending her dismal run with the Chicago Sky. The Chicago franchise drafted Reese in the 2024 NBA Draft, and now, she will add to the Dream’s offensive prowess. However, reportedly, she wasn’t looking for a change of destination in the offseason and was set to return with the Sky. Then what changed?
ESPN insider Kendra Andrews, in her latest article, outlined the condition that led the 2-time WNBA All-Star to join the Dream squad. Reese did not demand a trade from the franchise but made it clear that she was only looking to go to Atlanta if it was possible.
The choice stemmed from her relationship with Allisha Gray, which blossomed during the 2025 WNBA All-Star game, as they were on the same team. She also has a close bond with Rhyne Howard from the Unrivaled 2025. They played together in the FIBA qualifiers earlier, where Reese was even more convinced that she wanted to move to Atlanta. Moreover, she had known Brionna Jones since her college days.
All these were favorable conditions for Angel Reese, and the Dream was also looking to add her to the roster to develop under Karl Smesko. As per ESPN, the Dream general manager, Dan Padover, called Chicago GM Jeff Pagliocca with a request and said:
“If you are ever considering moving Angel, give me a shout because we have interest.”
All players and the coaching staff were in on bringing Reese to the roster. Undoubtedly, she fit in with the team immediately and has expressed her happiness in playing and learning under Smesko.
“He has helped me a lot,” Angel Reese opens up about Karl Smesko’s coaching style
After the Atlanta Dream began the practice session, Angel Reese talked to the media about getting comfortable with the team and learning under Karl Smesko. Speaking about her conversation with the head coach, she said:
“We’ve been working on a lot of my shots: 45, straight. He’s very big on analytics, so he has helped me a lot, and I can see the improvement already from yesterday to today. It’s been great, it’s been seamless, the team is amazing.”
Angel Reese has surely found a home in Atlanta. It remains to be seen how this chemistry translates on the court for the team, but the squad looks ready to begin its title run on May 8.
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