Angel Reese finished the 2025 season as a member of the Chicago Sky, but a rocky ending could affect her future with the franchise.
Reese, 23, spoke out about the current Chicago roster in an interview with the Chicago Tribune on September 3, resulting in a half-game suspension and causing a rift between her and the franchise. Soon after, reports emerged suggesting the team might consider trading the second-year forward.
Although there’s no clear indication that the two-time All-Star could be traded, Bleacher Report’s Lee Escobedo compiled a list of bold trade destinations, including the Washington Mystics, New York Liberty, Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream, Seattle Storm, and the Portland Fire or Toronto Tempo.
Reese in the Windy City?
After Reese’s comments to the Chicago Tribune, she apologized to her team. Needless to say, the damage was already done, but the franchise stood behind its star.
On September 12, ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported on the Sky’s general manager Jeff Pagliocca and his update on Reese’s status with the team. “Until I hear differently, that’s the direction w’ere going to move, is that she’s on the roster,” Pagliocca said.
On the other hand, the 23-year-old did not take the floor after Pagliocca’s statement. She sat out for the remaining games of the season.
After the conclusion of the Sky’s season, Pagliocca spoke about Reese’s talent and contributions to the franchise. “Angel is an ascending young talent in this league who’s had two very, very good seasons here in Chicago,” Pagliocca said on September 12.
“Obviously we went through what we did. I feel like we closed the chapter on it. She spoke to her teammates. She spoke publicly. We moved on as a team. She’s a special player. And I have good conversations with Angel daily, with her team daily. They’re constant, and they’re productive.”
Yet, Pagliocca’s comments may provide conflict due to Courtney Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins and Reese not holding their exit interviews, according to Front Office Sports’ Annie Costabile.
Weathering the Storm
While Bleacher Report’s Escobedo listed seven potential teams to trade for Reese, the Storm were labeled ‘the most logical trade partners.’ After a first-round playoff exit and the firing of head coach Noelle Quinn, Seattle could certainly use new energy.
“Seattle’s current roster is built around established veterans like Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins, but both are 35 years old and facing free agency,” wrote Escobedo.
“Reese, heading into her third season, would give them a rising star to carry the torch. A realistic package would likely feature Seattle’s 2026 first-round pick paired with Dominique Malonga, the 19-year-old rookie center from France.”
“Malonga has the length and athleticism to grow into a front court anchor, making her an ideal piece for Chicago to develop alongside Kamilla Cardoso. Adding a first-round pick gives the Sky both an immediate prospect and long-term draft flexibility.”
“For Seattle, acquiring Reese means inserting one of the league’s most marketable and relentless rebounders into a front line with Ogwumike and the 26-year-old Ezi Magbegor should both impending free agents re-sign.”
Sky: What’s Next?
Above all, Reese, is currently still a member of the Sky. In addition, she will return to Unrivaled, the premiere three-on-three women’s basketball league.
The Baltimore native, finished the 2025 season averaging career highs in points (14.7), assists (3.7), and steals (1.5) per game. She also, shot a career-best 45.8 percent from the field.