Angel Reese gets brutally honest about trade from Sky to Dream

Angel Reese gets brutally honest about trade from Sky to Dream originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Angel Reese has made it clear she is thrilled to be playing for the Atlanta Dream.

Reese spent the first two seasons of her WNBA career with the Chicago Sky, becoming an All-Star and one of the league’s most dominant rebounders. However, Chicago’s inability to build a winning team around her eventually created uncertainty about her future with the franchise.

The Sky finally moved Reese during the offseason, sending her and a second-round pick to Atlanta for two first-round selections. Reese did not attempt to hide how she felt about the trade during a recent interview with Cosmopolitan.

“I was so excited; it was a dream come true,” Reese said. “Honestly, I wanted to go.  it was perfect for me, from the team to the culture to just everything.”

Those comments confirmed that Reese welcomed the opportunity to leave Chicago and begin a new chapter in Atlanta.

Angel Reese found what she wanted with Dream

Reese’s happiness is not difficult to understand. She experienced plenty of individual success in Chicago, averaging 14.1 points and 12.9 rebounds across her two seasons with the Sky. Team success was much harder to find, however, as Chicago failed to produce a winning record or reach the playoffs during that stretch.

Reese publicly challenged the organization to improve in September, telling the Chicago Tribune that she might have to “move in a different direction” if the situation did not change.

Seven months later, she got her move.

Atlanta offered Reese an opportunity to join a more competitive roster while remaining in a major market that fits her growing profile away from basketball.

The 24-year-old forward said the support she has received from the Dream has made the transition even easier.

“That organization has shown me nothing but love and support, and just to be celebrating makes my job a lot easier,” Reese said.

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Reese thriving after leaving Chicago

Reese has backed up her words with another productive season. The former LSU star is averaging approximately 16 points and 12 rebounds per game while helping Atlanta contend for a playoff spot. She has continued to control the glass while also taking on a larger role as a scorer and playmaker.

Her move to Atlanta appears to have delivered exactly what she wanted: a winning environment, a supportive organization and a chance to compete in meaningful games. Reese previously made that point after the Dream opened the season with four victories in their first five games. She wrote on social media that winning was the reason she “ran to Atlanta.”

Her latest comments remove any remaining ambiguity.

Reese did not merely accept being traded by Chicago. She wanted the move, embraced Atlanta immediately and now appears to be enjoying one of the best stretches of her professional career. The Sky received valuable draft capital that could help shape their future. Reese received the fresh start she had openly suggested might be necessary.

For both sides, moving in different directions may have been the right decision.

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