The Atlanta Dream has championship aspirations, and they believe Angel Reese can help get them over the finish line. In a new statement, the organization’s general manager and head coach opened up about their trade with the Chicago Sky and how plugging Reese onto their already stacked roster made perfect sense for them.
According to The Blast, Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream from the Chicago Sky on Monday, April 6.
“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. “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.”
Speaking with Meghan Hall from USA Today, Dream general manager Dan Padover shared his thoughts on the stunning deal, saying acquiring Reese when she became available was a “no brainer for us.”
Reese finished her second year in the WNBA, averaging 14.7 PPG and 12.6 RPG.
Reese also led the league in rebounds, something Dream head coach Karl Smesko believes will help put his team over the edge.
“Angel’s [Reese] a special talent. I mean, everybody’s aware that she’s the best rebounder and the most relentless rebounder in the league,” he said. “But I also appreciate the other skills that she brings the team, from competitiveness to being able to handle the ball. She’s somebody that can grab and go, she can be on either side of a pick and roll. I think that versatility just makes her kind of a unique talent.”
Reese is looking forward to her time in the A, saying she’s “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.”
Big names have spoken out about the trade, including Shannon Sharpe, Joe Johnson, and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony.
According to The Blast, Anthony believes Chicago made the right decision trading Reese to the Dream, saying the switch was “needed” before citing the Sky’s troubled history with big stars. “Angel was getting too big, as far as her brand, for the organization in a sense,” he said.
The Sky went 10-34 last year, something Reese was visibly upset by toward the end of the season, which she made known during a press conference.
Anthony seemed to understand her frustration, noting that playing with athletes who aren’t as eager to win can be challenging.
“Her level of play is going to rise with the level of competition and what you surrounded with,” Anthony said. “If you’re surrounded with people who not thinking like you and don’t have the competitive nature you have, that sh-t can be draining. So, now you’re going to a team who has championsip aspirations.”
Reese’s trade to Atlanta will see the LSU alum playing alongside All-Stars Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Brionna Jones.
Days after the trade, Reese was all smiles at the Coach Story Sessions in Los Angeles and said she felt really good about the upcoming season.
“Transferring from Maryland and going to LSU and winning a championship, it feels like deja vu right now,” Reese said. “And I get chills right now because being a part of Chicago my first two years and going to Atlanta, I just feel that urge right now that I’m going to win again.”
Since trading Reese, the Sky have made some notable moves, including acquiring Skylar Diggins and Azura Stevens.
“I’m truly excited to be coming home to join the Chicago Sky,” Stevens said about the upcoming season. “This city means everything to me. The culture, the people, the passion for the game. To have the opportunity to come back to Chicago is amazing. I’m ready to get to work, embrace the moment, and give everything I have. Let’s work.”
Today, the organization also announced its new additions in DiJonai Carrington and Rickea Jackson.
According to ESPN, the Sky also re-signed the injured Courtney Vandersloot, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury last year.