The Chicago Sky didn’t ease into the offseason, they detonated it. Within days of trading Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, Chicago assembled an entirely new core, shifting from uncertainty to what now looks like a potential contender.
The speed of that transformation has left one lingering question hanging over the franchise: what would this roster have looked like with Reese still in it?
The deal itself was framed as a long-term play, bringing in future draft capital while resetting the team’s direction. But Chicago‘s aggressive follow-up moves suggest something more immediate.
The additions of Skylar Diggins-Smith and Azura Stevens, alongside a trade for Rickea Jackson, quickly changed the tone. The signing of DiJonai Carrington only reinforced that intent, signaling a shift toward a defensive, high-energy identity.
Carrington‘s arrival adds a key dimension. One of the league’s most versatile perimeter defenders, she fits seamlessly into a system that appears designed to pressure opponents and create transition opportunities. For a team that lacked consistency last season, the emphasis on defensive intensity and depth feels deliberate.
General manager Jeff Pagliocca underscored that vision when announcing the move. “We’re thrilled to bring DiJonai to the Sky,” he said. “She brings speed, defense, versatility and a fierce competitive spirit, and we can’t wait to see her electrify Skytown.”
With Diggins-Smith running the offense and Stevens anchoring the frontcourt, Chicago suddenly has balance across the floor. Jackson adds youth and upside, while Carrington provides the edge that often defines winning teams.
It’s a roster that, at least on paper, looks far more complete than the one that finished last season.
The Reese factor still looms large
Yet the timing of it all has kept Reese firmly in the conversation. The 23-year-old forward quickly became one of the league’s most influential young stars, both statistically and commercially. Her departure was always going to carry weight, but Chicago‘s rapid rebuild has amplified the scrutiny.
In Atlanta, early indicators suggest her impact is already being felt, with increased attention and fan engagement surrounding the Atlanta Dream. The move wasn’t universally criticized, though. Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony defended the decision, noting that it could benefit both sides.
“I think it was a good trade. I think it was needed for both parties,” Anthony said, pointing to Chicago‘s long-term flexibility and Reese‘s opportunity to grow in a new environment.
Still, that hasn’t quieted speculation about what might have been. With the Sky now appearing far more competitive, some around the league have begun to wonder whether Reese could have been the centerpiece of this retooled group.
Two paths, one spotlight
The contrast between the two franchises is now clear. Chicago has opted for depth, versatility and immediate competitiveness. Atlanta, meanwhile, is building around a singular star with the potential to elevate both performance and profile.
The Sky open their season against the expansion Portland Fire on May 9, offering the first real test of whether this rapid rebuild can translate into results. Across the league, attention will also follow Reese‘s integration in Atlanta, where expectations continue to rise.
For now, the trade remains unresolved in the court of public opinion. But as both teams move forward, the answer to whether Chicago acted too soon will play out over the months ahead.
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