Angel Reese has been at the center of a storm following her candid remarks about the Chicago Sky’s direction. But in a shock interview, an unnamed WNBA senior executive launched an extraordinary attack on the basketball franchise and urged Reese to submit a trade request.
Reese had threatened to leave the team that selected her in the 2024 WNBA Draft after displaying her frustration at their lack of progress – provoking criticism from her team and colleagues.
But a mystery WNBA executive, speaking anonymously to DallasHoopsJournal, has criticized the Sky’s handling of the situation and suggested that Reese should consider leaving the team.
“She needs to get the hell out of there,” the executive remarked. “Chicago is probably the worst-run organization in the league. You’re gonna suspend your best player just because she’s putting pressure on you to get better? That was embarrassing to see.”
The executive further opined that the Sky might attempt to trade Reese in the upcoming offseason: “I think Chicago will try to trade her this offseason, but if they don’t, she should request a trade,” they added.
What did Angel Reese say about the Chicago Sky?
In a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune, Reese expressed her dissatisfaction with the Sky’s performance and their approach to roster improvements.
“I’m not settling for the same s**t we did this year,” Reese stated. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.”
Reese emphasized the urgency of attracting top-tier talent to the team, indicating her commitment to elevating the Sky’s competitiveness. She further added: “I’m willing and wanting to play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here, that’s what I’m going to do this offseason.”
However, her forthrightness did not sit well with the Sky’s management. The team issued a suspension for Reese, citing her comments as “detrimental” to the team’s cohesion and morale.
Teammates’ reactions to Reese’s comments
The fallout from Reese’s statements has garnered attention from all around Chicago and Reese’s teammates are no different. They have had varied responses to her public critique, with some expressing surprise and discomfort, while others showed understanding.
Veteran forward Elizabeth Williams noted: “[Reese] obviously doesn’t want to disrespect us or anything like that. Ultimately I think the goal of [the interview] was just to share things she wanted to see in the future for the team and improvements that could be made.”
In contrast, guard Ariel Atkins appeared less concerned, stating: “I think I just don’t really care. I’m so over all of this s**t. If I was younger, it would have affected me more. But I’m grown and I just don’t care… We just here trying to do our jobs on a day-to-day.”
Either way, Reese’s future with the Chicago Sky appears uncertain following her critical remarks and the subsequent suspension. While some teammates have shown support, the team’s management’s response has raised questions about the organization’s handling of player concerns.
As the offseason approaches, Reese’s situation will likely be a focal point in discussions about team dynamics and leadership within the WNBA.
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