The Chicago Sky stunned everyone by trading Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. Many analysts and fans saw this as an era of rebuilding with the star player out of the equation and hardly any ‘chances’ of bringing in a star player without an ‘attractive’ project.
But in the free agency, the Sky franchise added Azura Stevens, then re-signed Courtney Vandersloot, and also added Skylar Diggins and Jacy Sheldon. Now the new addition, DiJonai Carrington, nearly completes the roster that looks competitive.
But fans are still baffled by losing Reese and are thrashing the franchise’s decisions.
Fans Angry Over Sky Team Rebuilding Post Angel Reese Trade
Adding the former LSU star in the 2024 WNBA draft pumped huge optimism in the fanbase. A proven talent and a championship pedigree were all they needed to get back into contention. Although the side fared poorly in both later seasons, the strained relations between the player and the front office resulted in her trade.
But the team kept pushing for a stronger roster and added many impactful players. Right from playmakers and range shooters, the front office took care of the defensive end with some key additions. Their recent addition, DiJonai Carrington, was also one such impactful signing.
Breaking: DiJonai Carrington has agreed to a one-year deal to join the Chicago Sky, sources tell ESPN
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 12, 2026
The 2024 MIP & first-team all-defensive pick joins a Sky team that in the last week also acquired/re-signed Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, Courtney Vandersloot & Azurá Stevens pic.twitter.com/yikgFeIube
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While the trade of Reese was hurtful for the fans, the new additions are more painful. Fans claimed that the side would have added stars with the two-time All-Star on the roster, too.
A fan wrote, “The irony of the Sky doing EXACTLY what Angel begged them to do.”
The irony of the Sky doing EXACTLY what Angel begged them to do.
— KNOWtheLEDGE (@KNOWtheLEDGE4) April 12, 2026
One fan added, “They trade Angel Reese and build an actual team with the chance to draft JuJu next year?????”
Wait wtf. They trade Angel Reese and build an actual team with the chance to draft JuJu next year?????
— SMOOOTH👑 (@TripleOSmoooth) April 12, 2026
Another fan commented, “Chicago building a legit team so they can make it look like Angel was the problem.”
Chicago building a legit team so they can make it look like Angel was the problem when they really could’ve just gave her and Kamilla some help in the first place.
— millionaireJoe (@thunderfan28) April 12, 2026
A fan pointed out, “If Angel Reese didn’t throw her teammates and organization under the bus and quit at the end of last season she still would’ve been in Chicago.”
If Angel Reese didn’t throw her teammates and organization under the bus and quit at the end of last season she still would’ve been in Chicago but obviously they had to get rid of the cancer of that franchise and now they’re much improved and a playoff team most likely
— Joe (@JShampansky) April 12, 2026
Another fan mentioned, “They clearly didn’t want to build around her.”
The players Chicago just got after releasing angel is ridiculous she was asking for this but they clearly didn’t want to build around her
— Nogood (@NogoodParadise) April 12, 2026
As for the player, Reese expressed her excitement about moving to the Atlanta Dream, and her aim is still to win big.
Angel Reese Looking To Win With Atlanta Dream ‘Now’
As per the 24-year-old, the Sky’s lack of investment in quality players was a problem, and her public criticism became an issue for the franchise. While the championship intentions were there, both parted ways on a bitter note. And now, after moving to the Dream, the rebounds maestro made her target clear.
“Transferring from Maryland and going to LSU and winning a championship, it feels like deja vu right now,” Reese said. “And I get chills right now because being a part of Chicago my first two years and going to Atlanta, I just feel that urge right now that I’m going to win again.”
Angel Reese is ready for a change of scenery in Atlanta 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qQmxvTbR9b
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 6, 2026
Now that both teams have strong lineups, fans will have difficulty choosing between the two sides.