The “Bayou Barbie” is so ATL.
In a stunning beginning of free agency, the Atlanta Dream acquired Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky on Monday in exchange for Atlanta’s 2027 and 2028 first-round picks.
Chicago is also sending a second-round pick swap in 2028. They now have five first-round picks across the next three seasons. This includes the 5th overall pick in 2026, both their own and a traded pick in 2027 (with Washington holding swap rights via Atlanta), and in 2028, both their own first-round pick and Atlanta’s pick.
In a statement, Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca stated that this move was designed to achieve roster balance and thanked the two-time All-Star for her impact on the franchise.
“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.”
In her rookie season, Reese set a league record with 15 consecutive double-doubles and also broke the league mark for most rebounds in a season.
However, her second season was tumultuous. The organization suspended her for half a game at the end of last season for public comments criticizing the front office and the quality of her teammates. After the suspension, Reese’s season concluded with a listed back injury.
This was a move that was a win for all parties involved. For Reese, she gets a fresh start in Atlanta as a part of a nucleus of Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Naz Hillmon.
For Chicago, they have another opportunity to rebuild their team with their haul of picks. Whether or not the Sky will make the right moves remains to be seen.
