Olympic Gold Medalist Tipped to Help Angel Reese Plot Best Escape Route From Chicago Sky

“Just enjoying each other cause I really did enjoy this team this year and these players and these vets.” A couple of weeks ago, Angel Reese had nothing but praise for the Chicago Sky locker room. Sure, they kept racking up loss after loss, but the All-Star forward’s positive outlook seemed like a silver lining for the team culture. A few days later, however, her tune changed dramatically. Suddenly, AR wanted a major roster overhaul and even threatened to leave if it didn’t happen!

The thing is, it’s not the Chicago Sky organization’s fault–they really did try! Jeff Pagliocca saw the potential in Chicago’s frontcourt and brought in some heavy-hitting guards like Ariel Atkins and Courtney Vandersloot. Unfortunately, injuries got the best of them. But considering all of the drama surrounding Angel Reese’s comments, analysts have started looking for possible trade destinations and landing spots for the Reebok athlete. Enter Cheryl Reeve.

After all, there’s an element of trust that has been broken by Reese recently, so it might be best for Chicago and the six-foot-two center to part ways. But where would she go? According to analyst Tyler Deluca on No Cap Space WBB, Angel Reese would serve well in a win-now team like Minnesota. “Now, I think that this trade would kind of have to do with how Minnesota finishes this season… But if Minnesota doesn’t win the WNBA championship, I could see them willing to make a move,” he said.

“And you know whose picked they have? The Chicago Skys. You know who’s been really bad this year? The Chicago Sky,” Tyler said, and he is right. The Lynx are currently at a 33-10 record as compared to the Chicago’s 10-33. But what would they trade away for Reese? Well, remember the first-rounder the Sky traded away for AR? It might be time to bring it home.” Could Chicago trade Angel Reese to Minnesota to go and get their first-round pick back and potentially draft a Lauren Betts and Azzi Fudd? Um even Olivia Miles, right?” He continued.

The trade that Deluca proposed would end up being beneficial for both teams. Chicago could build around Kamilla Kardoso, their other star forward, through the draft capital that they had traded away. On the other hand, Minnesota would get a physical forward who wasn’t afraid of putting in the dirty work–sounds like a win-win to me!

Not to mention, Angel Reese would do well under the guidance of Olympic gold medalist Cheryl Reeve and her heaps of experience. As Deluca further said, “Angel Reese in Minnesota, Napheesa Collier is almost a 50/40/90 player and absolutely can help space the floor for Angel while still being able to get hers down low. Minnesota already has shooting around Napheesa, so to me, when I saw people saying that fit wouldn’t work, I just couldn’t disagree more. ” But why shouldn’t the Minnesota Lynx just draft someone like Lauren Betts if they really need height? As Tyler explained, “Again, Angel isn’t the tallest player, but they desperately need size and rebounding,” and he is right. Angel has already proven her rebounding skills.

Angel Reese has a couple of All-Star games under her belt and is a vicious rebounder. What team wouldn’t want her? On top of that, Tyler Deluca had another point to mention. “And if Minnesota doesn’t go and win the WNBA championship, how willing are you to try and wait and see on Lauren Betts?” He asked, pointing at the urgency of the situation for the Lynx. But with Angel Reese on board, they would know what they’re getting from the beginning!

Tyler further reminds, “Obviously, rookies have been able to come in and be very productive very quickly, and Lauren Betts could absolutely do the same.” Still, all of this is just speculation and theorizing as the AR-Chicago situation continues to worsen. The Sky forward has not talked about leaving the team ever since talking to the Chicago Tribune, but some WNBA executives believe it might be the best option for her. What is the best option for her now? Let’s analyse!

Opinion: Why is the Angel Reese-Chicago Sky situation a landslide of sorts?

“I’m probably frustrated with myself right now,” Reese said. “I think the language is taken out of context.” The tables have turned drastically within the last couple of weeks: detrimental statements, threats of departure, and apologies. Of course, dealing with unhappy stars is always difficult, but after how the team has played? There are definitely questions being asked of Jeff Pagliocca and Tyler Marsh. Here’s the thing: Angel Reese was wrong to call out her teammates in public, but did her statements actually hold any weight?

“We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here, that’s what I’m going to do this offseason,” Reese said. And after a poor season, that’s a pretty valid demand from AR. It’s clear that Chicago’s veteran experiment didn’t pan out the way they expected, and it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

The primary speculation remains the same. Does Angel really want to quit on Chicago? “I am very vocal about what we need and what I want. 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,” she said. Reese is averaging 12.6 rebounds per game this season. What about her team? 35.7 rebounds per game. Reese is clearly carrying the team in terms of rebounds, so is there any point of her trying to rebuild, or is it simply better she leaves? Reese certainly thinks she can force the team to bring in better players.  “Non-negotiable,” As she boldly said.

But according to WNBA executives, especially after the first-half suspension, it’s time for Reese to find a new home. “She needs to get the hell out of there. Chicago is probably the worst-run organization in the league. You’re gonna suspend your best player just because she’s putting pressure on you to get better? That was embarrassing to see.” This anonymous executive said while speaking to DallasHoopsJournal.

And as for Angel Reese’s future in the Windy City? “I think Chicago will try to trade her this offseason, but if they don’t, she should request a trade.” All in all, it’s a very tricky situation for the sophomore star to be in. She said things in the heat of the moment, after a very long season, and it might lead to a change in jerseys for her. What do you think? Will Angel Reese stay in Chicago? Or will the Bayou Barbie find a new home this off-season?