With the 2026 WNBA season approaching, several franchises made major trades, but the most notable team was the Chicago Sky, which was at the center of multiple deals.<\/p>\n
The biggest move of the offseason was when Chicago\u2019s Angel Reese<\/a> was traded to the Atlanta Dream in exchange<\/a> for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028. Reese, a two-time WNBA All-Star and the league\u2019s leader in rebounds, is one of the young stars known for her rebounding ability, intensity and physicality in the paint. Adding Reese could be transformational for Atlanta.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Dream already features strong perimeter talent, but adding Reese gives them a dominant interior presence they did not have. Reese\u2019s rebounding alone can generate extra possessions while giving Atlanta more toughness near the rim.<\/p>\n However, for Chicago, losing Reese is enormous. She was not only one of their most productive players but also a central face of the team, bringing in lots of fans.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAngel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,\u201d Dream general manager Dan Padover said in a statement<\/a>. \u201cShe has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production, and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision.\u201d<\/p>\n Just days later, the Sky made another move by trading WNBA champion and two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins<\/a> to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Rickea Jackson<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Atkins, one of the league\u2019s most respected veterans, is one of the 11 players all-time<\/a> with at least 3,000 points, 600 assists, 350 steals and 100 blocks.\u00a0<\/p>\n This trade is a major win for the Sparks. Atkins, an elite two-way guard, brings lockdown defense, reliable shooting and experience to a team looking to make itself a playoff contender. With her presence, Atkins can provide defense while leading a young roster.<\/p>\n