After the WNBA lottery draft, the teams are now preparing for the expansion draft, looking to protect their star players ahead of the new teams’ selections. The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will look to add some experienced stars to their ranks, but as for the Chicago Sky, they will focus on protecting their prized assets, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.
Reese’s exit interview change sparked the Chicago Sky trade rumors. But an ESPN analyst puts his weight behind the possibility of Sky keeping their seventh pick in the 2024 draft.
ESPN Analyst Expects Chicago Sky To Hold On To Angel Reese And Kamilla Cardoso
The Dallas Wings’ GM mentioned that teams will lose players with the upcoming expansion draft. In 2025, the teams successfully protected their six players in the expansion draft. However, according to the new CBA (yet to be confirmed), each team will be limited to using the rights of only five players.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, the five players are Hailey Van Lith, Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese, Ariel Atkins, and Ajsa Sivka. While Reese was a two-time All-Star, Cardoso and Van Lith showed tremendous potential.
Two new franchises join the WNBA in 2026. How expansion will impact existing rosters remains unclear, with draft rules stalled in CBA talks.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) August 27, 2025
“We don’t know what’s going to happen,” Portland Fire GM Vanja Černivec told FOS.
Ariel Atkins is a veteran presence on the team, and even though she is a free agent in the 2026 season, many expect her to lead the line once again. Interestingly, Sivka has yet to play a game for the Chicago team since being selected in the 2025 draft. But Sivka emerges as the Chicago Sky’s overlooked draft jewel, bringing fresh offseason hope.
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Many might find it interesting to see Reese’s name in the list, with the player already showing her discontent with the team’s progress and roster. However, the front office is also looking to ensure that their superstar is on the roster.
Chicago Sky’s Plan To Keep Angel Reese Happy
The Chicago Sky attempted to utilize Tyler Marsh to alter their playing style following a disappointing 2024 season. Although the coach improved performances from star players, the team failed to deliver as a cohesive unit. Now he will have perfect support from his assistant coach as Sky hires Latricia Trammell as special assistant coach.
Sky hire Latricia Trammell as assistant coach.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) November 24, 2025
By coaching players like Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, and Chelsea Gray, the front office aims to add a new dimension to its forward lineup, which could tempt Reese to stay.