Angel Reese’s 2025 season with the Chicago Sky has taken a turn no one expected. The star forward finds herself in hot water after an interview with the Chicago Tribune, where she publicly called out the franchise and criticized her teammates, sparking immediate trade talks. While Reese later apologized to her teammates, the damage was already done. The situation escalated when the Sky suspended Reese, fueling rumors of significant unrest between the player and the team.
What Did Candace Parker Say About the Angel Reese and Chicago Sky Situation?
WNBA legend Candace Parker, who retired in 2024 after a decorated 16-season career, weighed in on the controversy. Though she built her legacy over 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, she sees parallels between her own past and Reese’s current struggles.
On a recent episode of her “Post Moves” podcast with Aliyah Boston, Parker recalled a time when her family used social media to argue she should have gotten the ball instead of a teammate who missed a crucial shot. At the time, Parker admitted she didn’t fully grasp how her family’s public comments would affect the Sparks organization.
“After gaining perspective and a little more maturity, you realize how important it is that, first of all, your family is a mouthpiece for you… But secondly, in public, in front-facing things, you have to protect your team and your organization, no matter how you feel,” Parker explained.
She shared that the best advice she ever received was to ‘keep things in house’. “You can yell, scream, cuss, all inside these walls, but you can’t bring it out. And once that happens, it’s hard to gain that trust back.”
While she credited Reese for publicly apologizing, Parker urged the younger star to recognize the sanctity of the locker room. “And now, what is the next step? How do you gain that trust back? I think that’s where her mind has to be right now… It does take a lot to be a leader. Do I think she should have been suspended?… In the NBA, maybe a fine would have happened,” Parker further explained.
“So, unless you want to get out of there, which, maybe, is a possibility, you’re not gonna win when the family feuds.”
Should Reese ‘Get Out’ of Chicago?
In her interview with the Chicago Tribune, Reese not only criticized the Sky’s plans but also questioned veteran teammate Courtney Vandersloot’s ability to lead the team. She called for a younger roster with championship experience, hinting she might take her talents elsewhere if her demands were not met.
While many criticized Reese for her public comments, others saw both sides of the story. An anonymous WNBA executive, for instance, placed the blame squarely on the organization.
“She needs to get the hell out of there,” the executive said. “Chicago is probably the worst-run organization in the league. You’re gonna suspend your best player just because she’s putting pressure on you to get better? That was embarrassing to see. I think Chicago will try to trade her this offseason, but if they don’t, she should request a trade.”
MORE: What Happened to Angel Reese? Breaking Down Why the Sky Star Was Suspended vs. Aces
This sharp critique came after the Sky suspended Reese for half a game, after which she was ruled out due to an injury. However, not everyone agrees that leaving is the answer. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, while sympathizing with Reese, agreed that some things are better left unsaid.
Despite the drama, Reese has been a dominant force for her team this season, averaging 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. The Sky, currently holding a 10-33 record, are set to play their final game of the WNBA season against the New York Liberty on September 11.
