The Chicago Sky made headlines with a major offseason move, and no one was more excited than Angel Reese.
Following the team’s acquisition of two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins from the Washington Mystics, Reese took to social media to celebrate, prompting fans to crown her with a new nickname.
Fans give Angel Reese a bold new nickname
On Sunday, Chicago traded away its No. 3 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft to land Atkins, a proven backcourt presence with championship experience.
The 2019 WNBA champion and 2020 Olympic gold medalist has been a key defensive force in the league, earning five All-Defensive team selections while averaging 13.4 points per game across her career.
Now, she joins a revamped Sky roster that is shaping up to be a serious playoff contender in 2025.
Reese, who has been playing for Rose BC in the Unrivaled league during the WNBA offseason, wasted no time reacting to the news.
She posted “#NeedDat #GotThat Geaux Sky” on her Instagram story before adding on X “Walked in Unrivaled with no teammates & now I’m walking out with 2.”
That post sent fans into a frenzy, with many suggesting that Reese had played an unofficial role in the team’s offseason acquisitions.
“GM Angel,” one fan replied, while another wrote, “You’re the gm.”
“GM A strikes again,” another fan added, referring to Reese’s apparent ability to recruit talent to Chicago.
Others took it even further, declaring, “ANGEL GM REESE.”
The Sky have been aggressive in their roster overhaul, with general manager Jeff Pagliocca pulling off key signings, including franchise legend Courtney Vandersloot.
Now, with Atkins in the mix alongside Kia Nurse and Rebecca Allen, Chicago is building a roster designed to stretch the floor and provide more offensive firepower.
“Ariel has made a tremendous impact on this league since her rookie year,”Pagliocca said.
“She is an excellent role model for her teammates and an All-Star caliber contributor. As one of the league’s top defensive specialists and a consistent scorer, she is a threat on both ends of the floor who will help us build a playoff-contending team in Chicago.”
With less than two months until the season tips off, the Sky’s rebuild is gaining momentum.
And if fans are right, Angel Reese may not just be a rising star on the court, she could have a future as a front-office influencer, too.
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