The first day of WNBA free agency began with a blockbuster trade.
The Chicago Sky have decided to move on from Angel Reese, dealing her to the Atlanta Dream in a move that stunned the basketball world. Reese has emerged as one of the WNBA's bright young stars during her first two seasons in the league, though the Sky struggled throughout her tenure in Chicago. She seemed happy to be headed elsewhere.
"An Angel's DREAM,"Reese shared to social media after the trade became public. "ATL WHAT UP?!"
Angel Reese walks runway at Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Reaction to the deal varied depending on each team's perspective, with Reese providing a boost toa contending Dream rosterthat already featured Britney Griner, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. The Sky, meanwhile, appears headed for an extended rebuild after receiving two first-round draft picks in the transaction.
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Here's a sampling of the reaction to the Chicago Sky's decision to trade Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream on Monday, April 6:
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Angel Reese trade reaction
Meghan L. Hall, USA TODAY Sports: "Off the court, the relationship between Reese and the Sky grew strained after she made public comments about the state of the roster and her desire for more in Chicago. In December, Reese noted that she planned to play for Chicago this season, but the question remained: Would she actually be on the roster when the new season began? The answer to that question is now a resounding no. The Sky traded Reese for a picks package, arguably giving them a leg up in what should be a loaded 2027 draft class, which includes potential names like Madison Booker, Hannah Hidalgo and Audi Crooks. If Chicago can land a huge star at the top of the draft, it's a win-win."
"I'm very, very happy for Angel Reese. The Chicago Sky have been awful ... I'm used to Angel Reese being in winning situations,"ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said on 'First Take.'"Clearly she's valuable. They think she can be valuable to them. It's going to put her in a winning situation. Her personality is just vibrant, where the Atlanta community will magnetize themselves to her. I like the situation."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:WNBA fans react to Angel Reese trade from Chicago Sky to Atlanta Dream