Angel Reese has always been a personality who attracted the limelight. As the CBA complications were resolved, the 23-year-old Chicago Sky star decided to drop a bombshell. With the free agency creating a significant buzz this year, it was Reese who made the biggest headlines.
Joining the league in 2024, the Chi-town Barbie played two seasons with the Sky. Many expected the former Louisiana State University star to continue in Chicago for a third straight season. But alas! It was not to be. Shocking the fans, the 2-time WNBA All-Star joined the Atlanta Dream. Now, as the buzz continues to grow, Reese’s Chicago Sky teammate, Hailey Van Lith, dropped her honest reactions.
Hailey Van Lith Expressed Surprise At The Trade Involving Angel Reese
The 23-year-old star had many differences with her teammates. Last year, one of the interviews following Sky’s poor showing went viral. Thankfully, the front office managed the fiasco well, suspended Reese for half a game, and moved on with business.
Unfortunately, it is now evident that the hard feelings remained, and Chicago had to let go of one of its prized possessions. Now, as the WNBA season approaches, reporters asked Sky star Hailey Van Lith about Reese leaving the team.
Dropping her thoughts, the 24-year-old said, “Kind of like E said, it was something that you’re surprised by, but also like it’s the nature of the business and everyone’s allowed to pursue their own personal endeavors and our team is allowed to pursue their endeavors and players are allowed to pursue their endeavors.”
Hailey Van Lith on the Angel Reese trade.
— Chicago State of Mind Sports (@ChiStateOfMind_) April 29, 2026
"Kind of like E said, it was something that you're surprised by, but also like it's the nature of the business and everyone's allowed to pursue their own personal endeavors and our team is allowed to pursue their endeavors and players… pic.twitter.com/jdmfNG2SVM
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Van Lith further continued by saying that she wished all the best for the Bayou Barbie. Wishing her all the happiness and success, the Sky star also praised Reese for being brave enough to take such a massive leap of faith.
Thankfully, the 2-time WNBA rebounding leader has received a lot of praise from her new team.
Atlanta Dream Head Coach Heaps Praises On Angel Reese
Someone like Reese is always an asset for any franchise she plays for. After acquiring her in a blockbuster trade, Dream general manager Dan Padover described the deal as a ‘no-brainer.’ Surely, playing with an injury, the 2023 NCAA champion averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game.
Not only Padover, but head coach Karl Smesko also 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.”
Thus, with things looking rosy, all eyes will now be on how Reese performs in the season.