Shannon Sharpe, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and NBA alum Joe Johnson are team Angel Reese.
On an episode of their “Nightcap” podcast, the elite athletes reacted to the news that the Chicago Sky traded the LSU alum to the Atlanta Dream.
Angel Reese bumped heads with Sky leadership toward the end of her second year in the league. However, sources close to Chicago’s front office said the trade was driven more by long-term roster strategy than any single internal conflict.
What Does Shannon Sharpe Have To Say About Angel Reese Being Traded From Chicago To Atlanta?
Reese has been a trending topic since Monday morning, when she shared a photo of herself in an Atlanta Dream jersey, officially announcing her move to the South.
On “Nightcap,” Joe Johnson called Reese a “perfect fit” for Atlanta, citing her evolving brand beyond the basketball court. “This is Black Hollywood,” he said. “They’re gonna embrace her and everything she does.”
Sharpe echoed a similar sentiment and said there couldn’t have been a better deal for Reese, who will likely join forces with Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Brittney Griner.
“You can’t get it any better than this,” Sharpe said. “This is where she needed to be. This is heaven for her. This is it.”
Chicago Sky General Manager Speaks About Trading Its Franchise Player Away
Reese’s trade to the Dream came on the first day of WNBA free agency, according to The Blast.
While playing for Chicago, Reese not only set several league records, but she also led her team in every statistical category during the 2025 season.
Reese finished her second year averaging 12.6 points per game and also leading the league in double-doubles with 23.
“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” Chicago’s general manager, Jeff Pagliocca, said. “Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond.”
Angel Reese Traded To Atlanta After A Rocky End To Her Second Year With The Chicago Sky
The Sky’s willingness to move on from Reese comes months after the star athlete torched the organization’s front office during media interviews in the summer of 2025.
Speaking about her frustrations with her team’s losing record, Reese emphasized the importance of securing top-notch players to ensure the team can compete for a championship.
“I’m not settling for the same sh-t we did this year,” Reese said, per The Blast. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a nonnegotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best.”
Reese went on to say that while she would’ve loved to play in Chicago long-term, she would look to relocate if needed.
“… I’d like to be here for my career, but if things don’t pan out, obviously I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me. But while I am here, I’m going to try to stay open-minded about what I have here and maximize that as much as I can,” she said.
Angel Reese Is Thrilled To Be Playing In Atlanta
The Sky punished Reese after her comments went viral, deeming them “detrimental” to the team. And while Reese maintained a positive front during the off-season, assuring fans she was returning to the Windy City, sources reported in 2025 that the chances were slim.
Reese joining Atlanta is a dream come true, as the Georgia-based team finished with the league’s third-best record in 2025 at 30-14, while the Sky ended 10-34.
In a statement, Reese expressed her excitement about what’s to come.
“I’m focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I’ve got to the Dream,” she said.
The Dream’s general manager, Dan Padover, is also hype about the move, highlighting Reese’s “dynamic talent” and impact on the league. “This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans,” he said.
Reese Fans Are Equally As Excited
Social media users are also ecstatic about Reese’s future with the Atlanta Dream.
On X, formerly Twitter, one user said, “WE ARE FREEEEE FROM THE SHACKLES OF THE CHICAGO SKY!”
Another user wrote, “AND F–K THE CHICAGO SKY.”
Fans showed up in other ways, too, selling out Reese’s Atlanta Dream jersey within hours, so fast even her mother couldn’t secure one
“Dang, y’all couldn’t leave a MED for me,” she joked.