Why the Chicago Sky traded Angel Reese: Inside the WNBA shocker

The Chicago Sky traded away its star Angel Reese , leaving a lingering question: Why? In a blockbuster move on April 6, the Sky's general manager decided to move on from the team's biggest star after just two years with the franchise. "This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement after Reese was traded for a pair of first-round draft picks.

By all accounts, the former Sky forward was a focal point for the team. However, things changed during the WNBA offseason, raising the question: What happened with Reese and Chicago? How did she end up in Atlanta?

Here's a timeline of what went led up to the Sky's split with Reese: Chicago drafts Angel Reese in 2024 WNBA Draft In 2024, Chicago drafted center Kamilla Cardoso with the No. 3 overall pick and Reese with the No. 7 overall selection.

While Cardoso's selection wasn't surprising, Reese's was somewhat head-turning. Chicago traded up one spot to acquire the former LSU product 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.