By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 6, 2026
The Atlanta Dream made one of the biggest moves of the WNBA offseason on Monday, acquiring two‑time All‑Star Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky in exchange for the Dream’s 2027 and 2028 first‑round draft picks. Atlanta also receives the right to swap second‑round picks with Chicago in 2028.
Reese, already one of the league’s most productive young players, joins a franchise coming off a historic 2025 season under first‑year head coach Karl Smesko. The 22‑year‑old forward has quickly become one of the WNBA’s premier frontcourt forces, averaging 14.0 points and 12.8 rebounds over her first two seasons while recording 49 career double‑doubles.
“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,” Dream General Manager Dan Padover said. “Her competitiveness, production and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision.”
Reese’s arrival also brings a significant boost to the Dream’s visibility.
Beyond her on‑court production, she enters Atlanta as one of the WNBA’s most influential social media figures, with a following that extends far beyond traditional basketball audiences. Her presence is expected to elevate the Dream’s national profile and draw new fans to a franchise already on the rise.
Reese first captured national attention by leading LSU to the 2023 NCAA championship, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. Her transition to the professional game has been equally impactful. She set WNBA rookie records for rebounds per game (13.1) and consecutive double‑doubles (15) in 2024, and remains the only player in league history to average at least 12 rebounds per game in each of her first two seasons.
“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.”
Smesko, who transformed Atlanta from last in offensive rating in 2024 to second in 2025, said Reese’s style fits the system he is building.
“Angel’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is elite,” Smesko said. “Her energy, toughness and instincts will thrive in our system.”
The Dream enter the 2026 season with momentum after multiple players delivered career‑best performances last year. Allisha Gray finished fourth in MVP voting, Rhyne Howard became the fastest player in league history to reach 300 three‑pointers, Naz Hillmon earned Sixth Player of the Year honors, and Brionna Jones doubled her career total of double‑doubles in her first season with Atlanta.
Atlanta opens the 2026 season at home on May 17 against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena, one of five games the Dream will play there this year as part of the organization’s push to elevate women’s basketball on larger stages.
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