Angel Reese’s possible trade destinations amid controversy in Chicago originally appeared on The Sporting News
Angel Reese’s future with the Chicago Sky could be in jeopardy. The All-Star forward recently made scathing comments about the organization’s direction that did not go down well in the locker room and led to a first-half suspension when the Sky played the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday.
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As a two-time All-Star who is already one of the greatest rebounders in WNBA history, Reese could command a significant return if the Sky opts to trade her in the offseason. These three teams could be in position to make compelling offers — and give Reese the platform for long-term success that she craves.
MORE: Why is Angel Reese suspended? Sky star out for one half after comments detrimental to team
Dallas Wings
The Wings need to make progress, and fast. Dallas has won a combined 18 games over the past two seasons — and the chance to pair Reese with Paige Bueckers could be awfully alluring for a franchise that has won a single playoff series since moving to Dallas from Tulsa in 2016.
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Bueckers and Reese instantly would become one of the WNBA’s top duos — and if the Wings can hang on to pending free agent Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas all of a sudden would have a trio of All-Star players at its core.
The Wings can center a trade package on their top draft pick in 2026, which may well be the #1 overall selection if lottery luck permits. The Sky already has the #5 pick; as it stands, Chicago will select three players in the top 30 of next year’s draft.
Seattle Storm
Change is in the air in Seattle, where momentum is growing for the Storm to move on from embattled head coach Noelle Quinn this fall. With veteran All-Stars Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike set for free agency, one of the league’s banner franchises could be preparing to build around budding star Dominique Malonga and defensive anchor Ezi Magbegor.
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Would acquiring Reese give Seattle too much size? Maybe. But the Storm has a chance to take a big swing on youth this offseason as the Diggins-Ogwumike era appears poised to end in disappointment. Seattle has a championship culture, with a joint-league record four WNBA titles, and a possible top-three pick coming their way that the Sky would love to have in a possible deal.
Phoenix Mercury
On the face of it, Reese would not be a great fit in Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts’ system. For one, Phoenix has made it a point to take — and make — a lot of 3-pointers, surrounding star forward Alyssa Thomas with three or even four shooters at all times. For all of Reese’s virtues, shooting is not necessarily one of them, though she has shown growth as a scorer in her second WNBA season.
Yet, the Mercury always seems to be in the mix when a star player becomes available. Two years ago, the Mercury landed former WNBA Finals MVP Kahleah Copper in a blockbuster trade with the Sky, and Phoenix signed Thomas and Satou Sabally as free agents last spring.
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The Mercury has second- and third-round draft picks available in 2026 — which, in the franchise’s calculus, might well be worth giving up for Reese. Phoenix is in “win now” mode, the team plays in a huge media market and players have raved about the franchise’s glimmering new practice facility, opened in 2024. Phoenix would meet Reese’s demands to play with better talent, and to hone her skills in the most advanced facilities available.
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