Angel Reese is returning to Chicago for the first time since being traded to the Atlanta Dream, but the homecoming is defined by gratitude rather than hostility. In a new interview, the former Sky superstar got candid about playing on her old stomping grounds as part of a new team, and what she’s most looking forward to.
While speaking with CBS after a recent practice, Reese made it clear that her first time playing in Chicago since the conclusion of her second WNBA season is fueled by excitement rather than riddled with nerves.
“No, just another exciting opportunity for me to be in Chicago,” she said. “I loved my experience there. It was amazing, and seeing a lot of familiar faces on Wednesday is going to be good.”
Reese was drafted seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft. During a previous interview with NBC5, the LSU alum said she was excited about playing in Chicago and under the head coach Teresa Weatherspoon.
“Talking to T Spoon over the phone during my whole draft process, I was like, ‘This is somebody I need in my life,'” Reese said. “I like having a relationship with my coach on and off the court. That’s what I had with Coach Mulkey, so being able to have that here is like a mother figure away from home.”
Reese’s trade to the Dream came after the athlete’s turbulent end to her second season in the Windy City. According to The Blast, Reese faced criticism from the organization, former teammates, and the public after expressing her desire to play on a championship-contending roster.
As speculation grew that she’d be traded to another team, Reese assured fans in early 2026 that she’d be returning to Chicago. Things shifted on April 6, however, when the news broke, sparking a frenzy on social media.
In late April 2026, Reese admitted she was thankful for her two seasons with the Sky. However, her trade to Atlanta was about something bigger.
“I enjoyed being able to grow within my first two years, but I wanted more. I love to win, I love to compete, and I wanted to be surrounded by people who can make me better,” Reese said.
In addition to celebrities jumping at the news of Reese turning into “ATL Barbie,” NBA legends have also co-signed the move.
The Blast reported about former Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony praising the transaction during an episode of his podcast.
The 10x All-Star explained that Reese’s addition to an already stacked Dream team puts the team in a serious position to win. “Angel will put the team over the top,” he said. “If you’re already a really good team, she’s gonna put you over the top.”
Continuing, Anthony said Reese’s presence in Atlanta was also a smart business move for the 6’3″ power forward. “Angel was getting too big, as far as her brand, for the organization in a sense,” he said before expressing his excitement for the upcoming season.
A week ago, Reese made a surprise appearance on former First Lady Michelle Obama’s “IMO” podcast.
The conversation touched on a range of topics, from Reese’s partnerships with Reebok and other major brands to the importance of financial literacy.
During the episode, Michelle took a moment to uplift Reese after acknowledging how difficult it can be to tune out negativity.
“You are handling yourself beautifully,” Michelle said. “It’s not just what you do, it’s the way you carry yourself.” Michelle continued, “It is really a joy to watch you manage it all, and you do it with a smile on your face, with an excellent attitude.”
Speaking of the WNBA, The Blast reported about Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson’s bold new look during the team’s recent media day.
The 4x WNBA MVP surprised the press with wavy red hair, revealing that her inspiration was an iconic character of the past.
“This one, we kind of went with the Jean Grey type of vibe with X-Men. She is a superhero that is pretty, pretty powerful. And I kind of went with this just to kind of give you those vibes,” she said.