{"id":376962,"date":"2025-12-30T01:40:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T01:40:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/376962\/"},"modified":"2025-12-30T01:40:43","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T01:40:43","slug":"will-forward-play-another-game-for-chicago-sky","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/376962\/","title":{"rendered":"Will forward play another game for Chicago Sky?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Angel Reese walked onto the Wintrust Arena court Thursday for the final time this season, she was greeted \u2014 like always \u2014 with a resounding cheer.<\/p>\n

This wasn\u2019t anything new. Since the moment she was selected at No. 7 in the 2024 draft, Reese has driven a new wave of fandom and support to the Chicago Sky. But Thursday\u2019s crowd took on a different tone and tenor.<\/p>\n

Fans lofted signs that read \u201cFree 5\u201d and \u201cAngel was right\u201d and \u201cSell the team!\u201d A fan wearing a homemade \u201cFree Angel Reese\u201d shirt sat in courtside seats on the baseline directly adjacent to the Sky bench for the second half. In the third quarter, a chant of \u201cFire Jeff\u201d<\/a> \u2014 calling for the removal of general manager Jeff Pagliocca \u2014 erupted from the section behind the Sky bench while Reese sat silent.<\/p>\n

After the game \u2014 a 91-86 Sky loss to the New York Liberty to close the book on a 10-34 season \u2014 Reese shared a simple sentiment on X: \u201cI love you guys.\u201d A few hours later, she boarded a private jet to Las Vegas, leaving behind a frenzy of confusion focused on the same question:<\/p>\n

Will Reese play for the Sky again?<\/p>\n

The last 10 days marked a seismic shift in the relationship between Reese and the organization. On Sept. 2, the forward voiced concerns and critiques about her teammates, the coaching staff, front-office decisions and ownership in an interview with the Tribune<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Angel Reese wants the Chicago Sky to do more in WNBA free agency: \u2018We can\u2019t settle for what we have this year\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Reese apologized in a private team meeting the next day after the article\u2019s publication sparked dissent and discontent throughout the locker room. The team took two more days before deciding to suspend Reese for the first half of Sunday\u2019s game<\/a> against the Las Vegas Aces. After fulfilling her suspension, Reese sat out for the remaining 2\u00bd games, citing a back injury that has lingered for the latter half of the season.<\/p>\n

The back issue was legitimate \u2014 Reese missed nearly three weeks after the All-Star break to rehab the injury. The front office and coaching staff did not publicly or privately question whether Reese\u2019s absences were connected to Sunday\u2019s half-game suspension. If she was sitting out in protest, a source said, the decision was never openly articulated.<\/p>\n

Coach Tyler Marsh emphasized this point at shootaround Thursday, saying he did not believe Reese sat out for any reason outside of her injury. He said daily communication with Reese remained consistent after the suspension: \u201cWe speak every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marsh added that Reese\u2019s primary desire was to get back onto the court \u2014 and that he had \u201cno reason to believe\u201d that she was any less willing to play for the Sky this season or next year.<\/p>\n

Marsh bluntly reiterated this belief when answering a question about whether Reese had a future in Chicago: \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reese, 23, has never publicly broached the idea of forcing a trade out of Chicago. Her most recent comments focused on how she would approach the end of her rookie contract, which is not set to expire until 2027, assuming the Sky pick up their team option. When she intermittently chose to vent her frustrations publicly about the roster or the team\u2019s facilities, Reese always focused on her desire to help build a better version of the Sky.<\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/p>\n

Sky forward Angel Reese greets teammates as she is introduced before an exhibition game against Brazil on May 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (Gerald Herbert\/AP)<\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/p>\n

Sky forward Angel Reese greets the crowd after an exhibition game against Brazil on May 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (Gerald Herbert\/AP)<\/p>\n

\"Sky's<\/p>\n

Sky’s Angel Reese puts up a shot against Brazil’s Licinara Rodrigues during a preseason game on May 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (Tyler Kaufman\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/p>\n

Sky forward Angel Reese responds to the crowd after an exhibition game against Brazil on May 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (Gerald Herbert\/AP)<\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/p>\n

Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts after making a basket in the first half an exhibition game against Brazil on May 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (Gerald Herbert\/AP)<\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/p>\n

Sky forward Angel Reese hugs her former coach, LSU’s Kim Mulkey, as she presents Reese with flowers before an exhibition game against Brazil on May 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (Gerald Herbert\/AP)<\/p>\n

\"Brazil<\/p>\n

Brazil forward Manu Alves defends Sky forward Angel Reese in the second half an exhibition game on May 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (Gerald Herbert\/AP)<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Sky’s Angel Reese warms before a preseason game against the Brazilian national team at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on May 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (Tyler Kaufman\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky player Angel Reese answers media questions after the first day of training camp at Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield on April 27, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/p>\n

Sky forward Angel Reese takes shots at the end of the first day of training camp on April 27, 2025, at Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/p>\n

Sky forward Angel Reese walks off the floor in the final seconds of a 100-81 loss to the Fever on Aug. 30, 2024, at Wintrust Arena. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese announced as part of the starting lineup for a game against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Aug. 30, 2024. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is interviewed by Holly Rowe after defeating the Indiana Fever 88-87 at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is announced before the game against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on May 7, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese warms up before the game against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/p>\n

Sky forward Angel Reese warms up before a game against the Fever on June 23, 2024, at Wintrust Arena. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is announced before the game against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese takes a selfie with a supporter after the Chicago Sky 83-72 win over the Dallas Wings at Wintrust Arena on June 20, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese looks for position while battling Connecticut Sun forward Brionna Jones in the first half of a game at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on June 12, 2024. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky Head Coach Teresa Weatherspoon speaks to Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the game against the Dallas Wings at Wintrust Arena on June 20, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reaches for a loose ball during the game against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/p>\n

Sky forward Angel Reese battles for a rebound against the Indiana Fever on June 23, 2024, at Wintrust Arena. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese answers questions before the game against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso laugh while doing a video on May 8, 2024, during media day at Wintrust Arena. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) wears shoes featuring the Chicago skyline during the team\u2019s home opener against the Connecticut Sun at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on May 25, 2024. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky Assistant Coaches Sydney Johnson, left, and Tamera \u201cTy\u201d Young, center speak to Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the game against the Dallas Wings at Wintrust Arena on June 20, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) tries to get past Dallas Wings forward Natasha Howard (6) during the game at Wintrust Arena on June 20, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese gets fouled after scoring during the game against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) battles New York Liberty forward Brianna Fraser (43) for a loose ball during their game at Wintrust Arena on May 7, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 29<\/p>\n

Sky forward Angel Reese greets teammates as she is introduced before an exhibition game against Brazil on May 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (Gerald Herbert\/AP)<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

But could that have changed in the last few weeks?<\/p>\n

Reese\u2019s critical comments about her teammates and coaching staff hurt feelings and undermined trust. Similarly, the ensuing suspension fractured confidence for Reese. The result is an awkward impasse that the Sky front office will spend the upcoming months attempting to navigate.<\/p>\n

The value on the court is obvious. Reese averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 30 games, repeating as the league\u2019s top rebounder and earning a second-straight All-Star selection while leading the Sky in scoring. During exit interviews Friday, Pagliocca praised Reese as an \u201cascending young talent in the league.\u201d Marsh described Reese as a model for the team\u2019s mantra: \u201cCommit and compete.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Sky mortgaged their future by trading away draft picks in the hopes of building a veteran core around Reese and center Kamilla Cardoso. Team sources indicated that the tumult of the last week was not enough to sway the front office\u2019s internal belief that Reese and Cardoso are the franchise\u2019s stars of the future.<\/p>\n

And that means all of this, ultimately, comes down to Reese.<\/p>\n

A decade after the fact, the Sky still are recovering from the damage wrought by their refusal to honor a trade request from Hall of Famer Sylvia Fowles<\/a>, who sat out half of the 2015 season to force a move out of Chicago. Over the last few years, the Sky have worked to improve their reputation as a player-first organization \u2014 even if that means trading away a valued star.<\/p>\n

The team traded Kahleah Copper at her request<\/a> in 2022 and Marina Mabrey at her request<\/a> last summer. This is the new ethos for the Sky \u2014 if a player doesn\u2019t want to be in Chicago, the front office will attempt to honor her wishes efficiently. But if Reese wants out, she will have to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a special player,\u201d Pagliocca said. \u201cI have good conversations with Angel daily, with her team daily. They\u2019re constant and they\u2019re productive. Until I hear differently, that\u2019s the direction we\u2019re going to move in is that she\u2019s on the roster.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ChicagoChicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh sends forward Angel Reese into the game against the Connecticut Sun on Sept. 3, 2025, at Wintrust Arena. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

Reese\u2019s team has not communicated any desire to leave the Sky this offseason, per a league source. The team is hoping that space during the early weeks of the offseason will offer time for all parties to cool off and reassess the best path forward.<\/p>\n

Inside the Sky organization, that cooling-off period already has begun. On the last day of the season, players and coaches praised the \u201cstrength\u201d of the locker room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it ever was really fractured,\u201d Marsh said. \u201cThat was a narrative that was out there, but if you\u2019re here every day like some of y\u2019all are and see what the vibes are day in and day out \u2014 whether it\u2019s practices or whether it\u2019s shootarounds \u2014 you\u2019ve seen that the energy has been and still continues to be pretty high.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not immune to going through adversity, just like any team, but for us unfortunately it\u2019s just a little more public. But outside of that, more often than not this team has been pretty connected this season.\u201d<\/p>\n

What\u2019s next for Chicago Sky? 5 pressing offseason questions after 2nd-worst season in franchise history.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

The franchise is still Reese\u2019s if she chooses to stay with the Sky \u2014 but there will be work ahead on all sides to mend and maintain strong relationships.<\/p>\n

One crucial step would be repairing her relationship with Courtney Vandersloot, who is considered internally to be the player most upset by Reese\u2019s questioning of whether the Sky can rely on the veteran to return from a torn ACL<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Sky front office still holds hope for the vision of Vandersloot, 36, anchoring the team at point guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf she\u2019s healthy, she\u2019s going to be playing basketball here,\u201d Pagliocca said.<\/p>\n

Multiple sources within the organization voiced concern about whether Reese and Vandersloot can repair their relationship. Vandersloot did not give an exit interview Friday but is expected to speak with the media in the coming week.<\/p>\n

Reese also is scheduled to speak with the media in an exit interview next week. The forward\u2019s approach to that public availability could set a tone for the offseason \u2014 or could prolong speculation surrounding her future.<\/p>\n

But even after a week of turmoil, the messaging from the front office is clear: The Sky still believe in a future with Reese.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe criticism that she gets daily isn\u2019t fair,\u201d Marsh said after Thursday\u2019s season finale. \u201cShe\u2019s someone that we\u2019ve also got to remember is in her early 20s as well, in a position that not many of us know what it\u2019s like to be in, on and off the court. The grace that she deserves should be afforded to her regardless of what her stardom looks like.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a whole lot of good that Angel embodies as well. That should be talked about just as much as all the other stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When Angel Reese walked onto the Wintrust Arena court Thursday for the final time this season, she was…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":376963,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[3691,173371,184295,438,184296,72701,82258,99,434,23316],"class_list":{"0":"post-376962","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-wnba","8":"tag-angel-reese","9":"tag-angel-reese-interview","10":"tag-angel-reese-tribune-interview","11":"tag-chicago-sky","12":"tag-chicago-sky-offseason","13":"tag-courtney-vandersloot","14":"tag-jeff-pagliocca","15":"tag-sports","16":"tag-wnba","17":"tag-wnba-free-agency"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/376962","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=376962"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/376962\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/376963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=376962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=376962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=376962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}