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via Imago/ImAGN
Imago
via Imago/ImAGN
A recent blockbuster trade by the Chicago Sky has drawn widespread criticism, but few reactions have been as sharp as the one from NBA legend Carmelo Anthony. The Sky traded superstar Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for a couple of first-round picks. They will receive the Dream’s 2027 and 2028 first-round picks, while the Dream will also get swap rights to the Sky’s 2028 second-round pick. The trade quickly earned the label of one of the worst in recent WNBA history.
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Angel Reese’s relationship with Sky deteriorated last year. “I am very vocal about what we need and what I want,” Reese said. “I’d like to be here for my career, but if things don’t pan out, obviously I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me.” However, according to ESPN, it was not Reese who requested the trade in this case. Considering what Sky got in return, the trade makes no sense for Anthony.
“They got nothing. You got two 2027 picks, a 2026 pick, another 2027 or 2028, and another second-round pick for Angel? Y’all are bugging,” Anthony said on “7 PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony,” reacting to the trade.
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That is especially after what Sky sacrificed to draft her in the first place. Chicago traded up one spot to acquire her in a package that included a 2025 second-round pick and the rights to a 2026 first-round swap. The 2026 pick is now the No. 2 overall selection in this year’s WNBA draft, who is predicted to be Azzi Fudd or Awa Fam.
“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. However, Anthony sees a deeper problem within Chicago. Since then, the Sky are looking to trade Ariel Atkins for Rickea Jackson from the Sparks. “Something has to be wrong,” Anthony said. “Something in Chicago, if you’re just giving her up for nothing.”
There are multiple answers to Anthony. First of all, there was a major disconnect between Reese and Sky after her outburst last year. She publicly criticized the front office and her teammates that is not something that can be taken back. But a recent report from the Daily Mail made it clear just how serious the situation was.
Imago
Aug 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh talks to forward Angel Reese (5) during the second half of a WNBA game against the Seattle Storm at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
“Those in the organization of the Chicago Sky are so relieved that Angel is no longer on the team,” the report mentions. “There is no love lost and when Angel returns for a game with her new team, she will be the enemy, but everyone with the Sky is very happy that she is gone. They were getting sick of her and to make this trade was very much needed for the health of the organization moving forward.”
Now, the other factor regarding Chicago getting ‘fleeced’ was a deliberate decision. Kendra Andrews of ESPN reported that the Sky had options where they could have gotten a better deal. However, that was not Reese’s personal preference and a good fit for her.
“I’m told there were other deals they could have done and gotten other things in return, but they worked to put Angel in a good position,” Andrews said. “I think you can give Chicago credit for that, for doing right by her in this situation.” So, Reese chose Dream as her ideal destination, and Dream is slowly building a competitor around her.
Atlanta Dream Re-sign Key Pieces After Angel Reese Trade
The Atlanta Dream were an already rising team under Karl Smesko last year. They finished 30-14 last year but lost in the first round to the Indiana Fever. The team was a threat to almost every top team during the regular season, defeating the Liberty, Lynx, and finalists Mercury over the course of the season. Adding Angel Reese to that team has just elevated them to another level. However, their 2025 squad are currently free agents. With the marquee signing secured, the Dream front office are now retaining their other key pieces.
“Jordin Canada will stay with the Atlanta Dream, re-signing for 2 years at $1.2-plus million,” wrote Kareem Copeland. “The Atlanta Dream are finalizing a three-year deal with Allisha Gray, per source. I’m told the multi-year deal is for “max-plus,” wrote Sean Hurd. “Breaking: Naz Hillmon is finalizing a 3-year deal to return to the Atlanta Dream,” wrote Kendra Andrews. The Dreamers are also retaining Brionna Jones, but the length of the contract or the financial details are unknown.
The Dream were already top rebounders last year with Jones and Brittney Griner averaging 36.6 rebounds. Griner is on her way out of Dream and about to sign with the Sun, according to reports. And the way Dream plays, they need offensive boards. They chucked up 28.8 threes a game, shooting 33.7%.
They need the boards to retain possession. That’s where Reese will help the most. She averaged 4.1 offensive rebounds last year, topping the WNBA charts. In addition, her improved creativity will help create more open shots on the perimeter while Reese dominates the paint.
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Edited by
Snigdhaa Jaiswal