Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky: A Potential Trade on the Horizon?
The relationship between Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky appears to be at a crossroads heading into the upcoming WNBA season. Late in her rookie campaign, Reese made headlines with comments suggesting she might look elsewhere if the Sky failed to make roster improvements to her satisfaction. These remarks created immediate tension within the team, as her veteran teammates understandably took issue with a rookie seemingly making demands about the franchise’s direction. This brewing discord has sparked widespread speculation about whether the Sky might consider the once-unthinkable option of trading their young star.
Despite being the face of the franchise and one of the WNBA’s most marketable young players, Reese’s future in Chicago has become surprisingly uncertain. The disconnect stems not only from her public comments but also from what appears to be dissatisfaction with her current situation. While Reese demonstrated her on-court value during her rookie season—averaging an impressive 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds across 30 games while shooting 45.8% from the field—her outspokenness “beyond her years” has created a complex situation for the Sky’s front office. Adding fuel to the speculation, Reese reportedly skipped the team’s exit interviews, further suggesting discontent with her current situation.
Among the potential trade destinations being discussed by analysts, the New York Liberty stands out as particularly intriguing. As Bleacher Report’s Lee Escobedo noted, this pairing could benefit both parties substantially: “Reese would bring star power to the league’s biggest market, and New York would get a succession plan for its veteran core. Meanwhile, Sabally and two future picks would deliver both immediate value for Chicago and a chance to build toward the future with incoming draft capital.” The Liberty, as a championship contender, could offer Reese something she hasn’t experienced in her professional career thus far—winning basketball—while the Sky could receive valuable assets to accelerate their rebuild.
What makes Reese such an appealing trade target despite the controversy is her undeniable productivity and potential. Beyond her scoring and rebounding prowess, she contributed 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game during her rookie season. These all-around numbers, particularly her elite rebounding ability, would enhance any roster in the league. For a team like the Liberty specifically, Reese could provide both immediate contributions to their championship aspirations and represent a future cornerstone as their current stars age. Her marketing appeal in the media capital of the world would be an added bonus for both Reese and the Liberty organization.
The Sky now face a difficult decision regarding their young star. While trading a player of Reese’s caliber and popularity would typically be considered organizational malpractice, especially so early in her career, the situation has evolved beyond normal circumstances. If the relationship has deteriorated to the point where reconciliation seems unlikely, Chicago’s front office might determine that maximizing return via trade is preferable to allowing the situation to further deteriorate. The coming weeks will likely bring clarity to whether the parties can repair their relationship or if a dramatic change of scenery is in Reese’s immediate future.
As the WNBA offseason progresses, Reese will undoubtedly remain one of the most discussed players in the league. Whether she remains in Chicago or dons a new uniform next season, her combination of on-court talent and off-court influence ensures she’ll continue to be a central figure in women’s basketball. For teams like the New York Liberty, the rare opportunity to acquire a young star of Reese’s caliber might prove too tempting to ignore. Whatever the outcome, this situation highlights the evolving player empowerment era in the WNBA, where even rookies can leverage their popularity and talent to influence their career trajectories in unprecedented ways.
