Atlanta Dream General Manager Describes Acquiring Angel Reese As No Brainer Decision For WNBA Franchise

The 2026 expansion draft saw many role players making their way to the new league entrants. The first major trade before the free agency signings was Angel Reese moving from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream. Interestingly, Reese already hinted at the trade, showing her role in the mega move.

The Windy City team sent the player and a future pick for the two future first-round picks. Although it seems a very shrewd signing by the Dream, losing to future picks with players like Srah Strong and JuJu Watkins. But the Dream GM, Dan Padover, was happy with the trade.

Atlanta Dream GM Sees Angel Reese Trade As No-Brainer

A day after the trade, Dream COO and President Morgan Shaw Parker said the player is a perfect fit for the Atlanta Culture. Given fans’ reactions and the player’s excitement, there is huge optimization in the franchise.

The GM also recently spoke about the trade, as he told USA Today that acquiring Reese when she became available was a “no-brainer for us.” And highlighted her second-year stats in the WNBA, where she averaged 14.7 PPG and 12.6 RPG.

@AtlantaDream GM Dan Padover on the #Dream press conference: “When Angel [Reese] became available for us, it was a no brainer for us.”#AtlantaDream #WNBA

— Wilton C. Jackson II (@WiltonReports) April 12, 2026

The sky GM, Jeff Pagliocca, also praised the player and added that the franchise executed the trade to achieve roster balance and that it represents a great opportunity for all parties. And also thanked the player for her service so far.

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Dream head coach Karl Smesko is also happy and said, “Angel’s [Reese] a special talent. I mean, everybody’s aware that she’s the best rebounder and the most relentless rebounder in the league. But I also appreciate the other skills that she brings the team, from competitiveness to being able to handle the ball. She’s somebody who can grab and go; she can be on either side of a pick-and-roll. I think that versatility just makes her kind of a unique talent.”

Many representatives gave their positive response to the deal, but NBA star Draymond Green saw beyond the on-court production and spoke about the possible off-court impact.

Draymond Green Gives His Take On Angel Reese Trade

Draymond Green and WNBA stars’ names came in the same sentence, with the NBA star confronting a fan over a Reese rebound jab in the Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans game. He also spoke about the trade.

“Angel just got traded to Atlanta… I think that move will be of Huge value for her brand. Atlanta going to support her like crazy!” commented Green on Threads.

Angel Reese’s move to Atlanta could be a major business boost 🤩 pic.twitter.com/DcqQIEyoT2

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 6, 2026

The player’s arrival already raised the ticket price, and the merchandise sales are also on as fans showed a positive response to the trade.