Did Angel Reese, who got traded to the Atlanta Dream, request a trade from the Chicago Sky?
The Chicago Sky traded WNBA star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028 on Monday.
It was a trade that seemingly came out of nowhere and many fans speculated that Reese requested a trade from the Sky.
However, according to ESPN, Reese did not request a trade from Chicago.
"Reese did not request a trade, but the Sky worked closely with her team to find her a new home, sources said, adding there was no contentiousness between the two parties," ESPN wrote. "The Sky have missed the playoffs the last two years and are expected to revamp the roster this offseason."
In Atlanta, Reese will team up with Allisha Gray, who finished fourth in MVP voting last season, and Rhyne Howard.
Reese was the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft out of LSU. She averaged 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per game with the Sky.
Chicago went just 21-43 when Reese played. The franchise is in deep, deep rebuild mode.
Reese signed a four-year, $324,383 contract with the Sky in 2024. She will make $82,399 next season and has a club option worth $93,636 for 2027.
"Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta," Dream general manager Dan Padover said in a statement. "She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision. This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans."
Reese is one of the best -- if not the best -- rebounders in the WNBA. She put up 49 double-doubles in 64 games with the Sky, who now have five first-round picks over the next three seasons after the Reese trade.
"This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties," Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a release. "Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond. We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter."
Reese enters next season as a two-time rebounding champion. She's a career 42.1% shooter from the field, 18.4% shooter from beyond the arc and 74.6% shooter from the free-throw line.
"I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization," Reese said. "I'm focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I've got to the Dream."