Angel Reese is heading to Atlanta for the 2026 WNBA season. In a blockbuster trade, the Atlanta Dream acquired the two-time All-Star from the Chicago Sky, giving up first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. Reese’s arrival provides a major interior boost to pair with stars Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray.
After a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Fever in 2025, the Dream needed a high-motor talent to bridge the gap between being just a contender and becoming a champion. Reese comes in as a proven double-double machine who instantly addresses the team’s need for paint physicality and a not-backing-down attitude.
Atlanta Dream Brings Angel Reese in a Blockbuster Trade
Angel Reese’s trade brings some fundamental changes to Atlanta’s frontcourt. Entering her third professional season after being drafted 7th overall in 2024, Reese has already entered the WNBA record books.
In the 2025 season, she led the league in rebounding for the second consecutive year, averaging an impressive 12.6 boards per game. She also tied with Alyssa Thomas for the most double-doubles in 2025 (23), including an 11-game streak that stands as one of the longest in league history.
Breaking: Angel Reese is being traded to the Atlanta Dream. The Dream are trading a 2027 first-round pick and 2028 first-round pick to the Chicago Sky for the two-time All-Star and 2028 second-round swap rights, sources tell @kendra__andrews.
Prime Video first reported that the… pic.twitter.com/D0g0MvR1hm
— ESPN (@espn) April 6, 2026
Dream General Manager Dan Padover expressed his thoughts about the Reese trade, “Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta. She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision. This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans.”
Angel Reese’s reaction was optimistic. “I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization. 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.”
Though the Chicago Sky finished at the bottom in the East at 10-34, Reese ended 2025 strong: 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting a career-high 45.8% from the field.
A Championship Rotation Featuring Angel Reese
The Atlanta Dream dominated the Eastern Conference with a 30-14 record under head coach Karl Smesko last season, but lost 2-1 to the Fever in the First Round.
With the 2-time All-Star’s addition, Dream’s projected rotation for the 2026 WNBA season looks like a nightmare for their opponents. A roster powered by stars Allisha Gray (4th in 2025 MVP voting), Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, Brittney Griner, Jordin Canada, and newest to the roster, Angel Reese.
Head Coach Karl Smesko can now hold a trio: Howard, Gray, and Reese, who could become the Dream’s deciding factor and bridge the gap that failed them last season and kept them from reaching the WNBA Finals.
By adding a player with 49 double-doubles in two years, Atlanta aims to become a postseason threat. If Angel Reese’s rebounding continues in 2026, the team’s championship window opens wider than ever.
