Will Angel Reese Choose to Stay with Chicago Sky as WNBA Season Comes to a Crossroads?

The Chicago Sky faced a tough season in 2024, missing the playoffs for the first time in six years. While Angel Reese shined as a rookie, earning All-Star honors and breaking records for rebounds, the team’s future now feels uncertain.

This year has been even more challenging. Despite having Reese as a potential star, the Sky are struggling again, and their relationship with her has soured. When Reese aired her concerns about the team, they suspended her for half a game, which has left her sidelined with a back injury. Now, there’s buzz that this might be her last season with the team.

The Sky opted to support other players over Reese, whose rookie contract still has two years left. Some believe she might seek a trade, especially since there’s a trend of players wanting a fresh start earlier in their careers.

Reese’s comments have been revealing. “We can’t settle for what we have this year,” she expressed, making it clear she wants to see improvement. Her past experience with the team showcases what’s crucial for ambitions to be compatible with player needs. As Candace Parker, a former Sky player, noted, open criticism can threaten trust within the team.

If the Sky and Reese can’t reconcile, they could face bigger issues ahead. General managers initially doubted Reese’s readiness, but her stats show promise. Still, if she leaves, teams like Connecticut and Dallas might welcome her skills.

The Sky’s attempts to rebuild have been filled with highs and lows. They traded key picks and brought in veterans to fast-track their growth. Unfortunately, key injuries and performance issues plagued them, resulting in a disappointing record that saw only two wins against teams with winning records.

Despite her individual achievements, Reese’s role hasn’t led to team success yet. The recent draft also didn’t produce strong additions, raising questions about the team’s direction.

The Sky are at a crossroads. If they can’t mend fences with Reese, they might find themselves back at square one, just like in past years with other stars. The stakes are high, and the balance between maintaining or trading Reese could define the team’s future.

For more insights on player dynamics and team strategies, check out ESPN’s coverage of the WNBA.

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Chicago Sky, Opinion, WNBA