Angel Reese Grins in New York After Bombshell WNBA Trade to Atlanta Dream
WNBA superstar Angel Reese has been seen in public for the first time since her surprise trade from the Chicago Sky, stepping out in New York City on Tuesday with a broad smile. The forward, known as one of Caitlin Clark's biggest rivals from college through the professional league, appeared unfazed by the major news, posing happily outside a Victoria's Secret event in Midtown Manhattan.
Chicago Sky Teammates Reportedly 'Relieved' Reese Is Gone
Reese's public appearance coincides with whispers that her former Chicago Sky teammates are delighted to see her depart. She was traded to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts. A source close to the team told The Daily Mail, 'Those in the organization of the Chicago Sky are so relieved that Angel is no longer on the team. There has been so much apprehension between the team and her, and everyone is happy that they don't have to deal with her various controversies, whether she brings it on herself or otherwise.'
The source added, 'There is no love lost and when Angel returns for a game with her new team, she will be the enemy, but everyone with the Sky again is very happy that she is gone. They were getting sick of her and to make this trade was very much needed for the health of the organization moving forward.'
Reese Launches Victoria's Secret Campaign Amid Trade News
On Tuesday, Reese exited a black car outside The Victoria's Secret flagship store at 640 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, smiling for photographers before entering to launch her new campaign. The 23-year-old is the face of the brand's 'Season of Strapless' swim collection, with new photos released on Tuesday showing her on a beach in Barbados during the offseason.
Just hours earlier, news broke of her trade to Atlanta, and Reese reacted with delight on social media, writing, 'An Angel's DREAM. ATL WHAT UP?!' She later stated in a press release from the Dream, 'I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization. I'm focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I've got to the Dream.'
Reese's WNBA Career and Past Controversies with Chicago Sky
Reese was drafted by the Sky with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 Draft, the same class as former No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark, after leading LSU to the 2023 National Championship. The two-time All-Star recorded 49 career double-doubles, averaging 14.0 points and 12.8 rebounds per game in her first two seasons. She earned All-Rookie Team honors in 2024 after setting WNBA rookie records for rebounds per game (13.1) and consecutive double-doubles (15).
However, Reese fueled speculation about leaving Chicago last September by publicly expressing fury at missing the WNBA playoffs. She criticized the Sky, vowing not to 'settle for the same s*** we did this year' after the franchise missed the playoffs for a second straight year. She later told the Chicago Tribune she 'might have to move in a different direction and do what's best for me.' The team suspended her for the first half of a game for these comments, and she did not return for the rest of the regular season.
