Angel Reese made her return to Chicago on Wednesday night, but it wasn't the revenge tour some might have expected. The former Sky forward, traded to Atlanta after two All-Star seasons, stepped onto the Wintrust Arena court with a calm that belied the shock of her departure.
Reese, a first-round pick out of LSU in 2024, didn't have her best night statistically—eight points on 2-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-8 from the free-throw line. But off the court, she showed a level of maturity that impressed even the most skeptical observers.
“No. Just another exciting opportunity for me to be in Chicago. I love my experience in Chicago,” Reese said before the game. “It was amazing. Seeing a lot of familiar faces on Wednesday is gonna be good to see.”
It would have been easy for Reese to carry a chip on her shoulder. After all, being traded after just two seasons—especially when you're a two-time All-Star—isn't the norm. But Reese, who also made headlines earlier this year with her 'Gala Green' kicks, understood the business side of the WNBA.
“The Sky did what they believe is best for the future of the franchise,” Reese said. “I need to make the best of my new situation in Atlanta.”
Her time in Chicago wasn't all sunshine. The Sky went 10-34 last season, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Reese was clearly frustrated, but rather than lash out, she chose to focus on the positive.
“There's no ceiling,” Reese said of her new team. “I watched them from afar last year and then being able to see the success, that's the reason why I wanted to be able to come here, because I thought I can help them in ways, and they can help me in ways.”
This mature approach is a far cry from some of her more controversial moments, like when she faced criticism for a social media jab during the playoffs. But Reese seems to have learned from those experiences.
For the Dream, this trade could be a win-win. Reese brings star power and a relentless rebounding presence, while the Sky get draft assets to rebuild. Reese's preseason debut might have been rough, but her attitude was a slam dunk.
As she settles into Atlanta, Reese is already looking ahead. “I'm excited for what's to come,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”
