After making her Hollywood debut last week, Angel Reese’s professional career has now turned into a movie script of its own.

When Angel Reese sat down with the Chicago Tribune and spoke openly about the Sky’s flaws, she probably didn’t expect the storm that would follow. “I’m not settling for the same s— we did this year. We have to get good players… if things don’t pan out, obviously I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me.”

Reese didn’t hold back in the interview, touching on several key issues with the franchise.

• She criticized the direction the Sky was heading.
• Demanded better players around her.
• Questioned whether a 36-year-old Courtney Vandersloot, fresh off an ACL injury, was the right fit for the future.
• Suggested Rachel Banham and Hailey Van Lith weren’t playoff-level contributors.
• Wanted Tyler Marsh to coach better

She quickly issued an apology, saying, “I really didn’t intentionally mean to put down my teammates.” That should have been the end of it, at least in the public eye. But with the Sky, nothing is ever that simple.

In The Athletic’s recent survey, the Sky were ranked as the league’s worst-run team. The conversation resurfaced after Chicago suspended Angel Reese for the first half of its matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. The move sparked debate about accountability, whether it should rest more heavily on players who speak out or on the organization’s leadership.

Before those debates could even settle, another update shifted the narrative. While many anticipated Reese’s return for the second half against the Aces, the Sky announced prior to the third quarter that she would not be coming back due to a back injury. That naturally raised questions about her immediate status and what it could signal for her long-term relationship with the franchise.

It’s still unclear whether Reese’s absence was intentional, and there’s no certainty she’ll leave the Sky. With a contract through 2027, she cannot simply walk away from the team. Her only route to another squad would be via a trade. Jeff Pagliocca, however, doesn’t seem to be in favor of such a possibility. “Until I hear differently, that’s the direction we’re going to move, is that she’s (Reese) on the roster,” he recently said.

Reese can still formally request a trade, and while the Sky aren’t obligated to comply, such a move could spark discussions about a potential change. In the meantime, speculation about her future continues to grow. As one anonymous WNBA executive bluntly put it: “She needs to get the hell out of there. 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.”

So, if Angel Reese were to demand a trade, where could she realistically land?

Where could Angel Reese potentially go?

As a two-time All-Star and already one of the most dominant rebounders in WNBA history, Reese would command a massive return if the Sky decides to move her in the offseason. The bonus? She’s still on her rookie deal. Reese signed a four-year contract with Chicago in 2024 worth roughly $324,383, averaging just over $81,096 per year. That team-friendly deal makes her an even more attractive trade target, giving contenders a chance to add a superstar talent without blowing up their salary cap.

So if Reese were to hit the trade market, teams with a chance to secure a lottery pick in next year’s draft would likely be the frontrunners…

Dallas Wings 

When the season kicked off, Paige Bueckers had a clear goal: build as many connections with her teammates as possible and lay the foundation for a winning culture. Players like DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith were already on board, joining a project that had Arike Ogunbowale as the team’s cornerstone.

But nothing really clicked for the Wings. Over the past two seasons, they haven’t sniffed the playoffs, finishing 11th last season and at the bottom this year. Dallas has managed just 19 combined wins over that period, so the idea of pairing Reese with Paige Bueckers could be incredibly tempting for a franchise that’s only won one playoff series since moving from Tulsa in 2016.

Do they have the assets? Absolutely! The Wings could build a trade package around their top draft pick in 2026, which could very well be the #1 overall selection if luck swings their way. But the bigger question remains—would Reese and Bueckers really be the perfect fit for this team?

The Wings kicked off the season with Teaira McCowan and NaLyssa Smith holding down the frontcourt, but both were shipped out. Myisha Hines-Allen, Luisa Geiselsoder, and Li Yueru have stepped in to fill the power forward and center spots, but let’s be honest: none of them come close to the Reese-level dominance.

We’re talking about a player who averages 12.9 rebounds per game alongside a solid 14.1 points per game for her career. This season, the Wings have struggled with being undersized, and Reese would instantly fix that problem. She’d also give Bueckers a pick-and-roll partner for years to come. Both are just 23, giving GM Curt Miller two cornerstone stars to build around.

Bueckers is already a dominant pick-and-roll ball-handler, and pairing her with Reese would instantly elevate Reese’s game. Together, they could become an unstoppable duo. For Reese, who has long been asking for quality guards around her in Chicago, teaming up with one of the league’s best could finally show just how good she really is. Don’t be surprised if her efficiency jumps close to 50 percent with Paige running the offense alongside her (should it happen).

Seattle Storm 

Seattle could be another smart landing spot. The frontcourt pairing of Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor offers both guidance and consistency. Ogwumike, in particular, is known for mentoring younger players, a sort of basketball Sherpa for Reese as she hones her game.

And yes, change might begin to loom in Seattle, with momentum building to move on from head coach Noelle Quinn, and veteran stars Skylar Diggins and Ogwumike approaching free agency. Still and all, Reese could become a part of a younger cornerstone of the franchise alongside Magbegor and Dominique Malonga. Now, that can create a frontcourt logjam, but with the veteran era winding down, the Storm can take a bold swing at youth.

On the court, Seattle’s system is all about solid defense, smart spacing, and strong rebounding. Reese’s strengths in the paint would slot in naturally, giving her time to broaden her offensive toolkit, especially her shooting. The Storm are currently in a “retooling” phase, not rebuilding from scratch but also not fighting for a title right this minute, offering Reese room to develop without the burden of carrying the team immediately. The franchise has a championship pedigree with four WNBA titles and may have a top-three draft pick available, potentially giving them leverage in a trade with Chicago. For Reese, it’s a chance to join a winning culture, grow her game, and do it without being buried under endless media pressure, as the Pacific Northwest market isn’t that hyper.

Phoenix Mercury

Despite losing stars like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, and with only one starter returning this season, the Phoenix Mercury pulled off the impossible. Coach Tibbets’ squad recorded the most wins in franchise history (since 2014), even with 10 new players on the roster. Sure, additions like Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally helped, but their big three still missed significant time this season.

Their out-of-the-box thinking has brought in rookies like Akoa Makani, Lexi Held, Kitija Laksa, and Kathryn Westbeld–each with unique skill sets but all deadly from beyond the arc. This perfectly complements Angel Reese, allowing her to slot in seamlessly. She wouldn’t just be playing alongside one of the best playmakers in the league; she’d also have plenty of spacing to dominate the paint. A theoretical match made in heaven. Will it happen? Only time will tell!

While the Mercury could be the perfect fit for Reese, they don’t have many draft assets to trade. Phoenix holds just second – and third-round picks in 2026 – which, in their “win-now” mindset, might be worth parting with for Reese. But the Sky would likely need more than that. Could they pry a rookie or two from Phoenix’s roster to make it happen? Or might one of Mercury’s big three have to head to Chicago? Only time will tell how this saga unfolds.