Carmelo Anthony is the latest big name to weigh in on WNBA free agency, specifically the Chicago Sky trading Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. On an episode of his podcast, “7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony,” the Denver Nuggets alum expressed his excitement over the move and also questioned Chicago’s front office for making a trade many saw as a clear mistake.
Carmelo Anthony Reacts To The Chicago Sky Parting Ways With Angel Reese
According to The Blast, Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream in a stunning deal earlier this week. In exchange, the Sky received two first-round draft picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts.
Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca commented on the trade, saying it was intentional and meant to bring balance to the roster.
“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,” he said.
Anthony also spoke about the trade, saying it was “needed.” He continued, “Angel was getting too big, as far as her brand, for the organization in a sense.”
Continuing, Anthony said Reese would thrive in a better market, citing Atlanta’s rich history and connection to pop culture.
Anthony Slams Chicago Sky For Trading Away Angel For Two Picks: ‘Y’all Buggin’
And while the trade came as a surprise to many, Anthony didn’t seem shocked by the news. Speaking with his co-host, the NBA star mentioned Chicago’s troubled history with star athletes, including Candiace Parker and Kahleah Copper.
According to Anthony, the Atlanta Dream got a major upgrade by adding Reese. “To give Angel to a team like Atlanta, and they ain’t give no assets up, like they get to keep everybody over there, and you bring the leading rebounder in the WNBA, a double-double magnet, and she pass the ball… Atlanta becomes different,” he said.
Indeed, Reese led the league in rebounds and broke the record for most consecutive double-doubles (15) the year prior.
“Angel will put the team over the top,” he said. “If you’re already a really good team, she’s gonna put you over the top.”
Anthony later seemed critical of Chicago’s decision to part ways with Reese for draft picks, saying, “Y’all buggin.”
Anthony Said Being On A Losing Team Can Be ‘Draining’
Reese’s trade to Atlanta comes months after the LSU alum made headlines after voicing critical comments about the organization in the summer of 2025.
“I’m not settling for the same s— we did this year,” Reese said. “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.”
The Sky went 10-34 during the 2025 season, and they were 1-13 when Reese wasn’t on the floor.
Reese’s comments sparked a frenzy last year, resulting in the Sky suspending her for half a game due to comments they deemed “detrimental” to the team.
Anthony, however, appeared to understand where she was coming from.
“Her level of play is going to rise with the level of competition and what you surrounded with,” Anthony said. “If you’re surrounded with people who not thinking like you and don’t have the competitive nature you have, that sh-t can be draining. So, now you’re going to a team who has championsip aspirations.”
Angel Reese Can’t Wait To Hit The Court In Atlanta
Reese will join forces in Atlanta with Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Brionna Jones.
“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 about the move.
Chicago Sky Is Making Other Moves
According to ESPN, the Chicago Sky has begun making moves since parting ways with Reese.
Former Seattle Storm star Skylar Diggins has signed a multi-year deal with Chicago, along with former Los Angeles Sparks player Azura Stevens.
The Sky also acquired Jacy Sheldon from the Washington Mystics in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2028 draft.
Pagliocca said the leadership in Chicago is “ecstatic” about having Diggins join the team, calling her “one of the all-time elite passers in our game” before highlighting her “high level” of play.
“I’m truly excited to be coming home to join the Chicago Sky,” Stevens said about the upcoming season. “This city means everything to me. The culture, the people, the passion for the game. To have the opportunity to come back to Chicago is amazing. I’m ready to get to work, embrace the moment, and give everything I have. Let’s work.”