NBA legend Carmelo Anthony explains why Angel Reese trade was needed

The Chicago Sky made a trade that immediately split opinions across the WNBA. The franchise sent Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, plus swap rights on Chicago’s 2028 second-round selection.

The reaction came fast, with plenty of people calling it one of the worst deals in recent league history. Carmelo Anthony was not buying that narrative.

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Carmelo Anthony sees Angel Reese boosting Atlanta Dream hopes

During a recent segment of his podcast, “7 PM in Brooklyn,” the former NBA star defended the move, pointing to the haul of future assets Chicago brought back. He also broke down why the trade made sense for both the organization and Reese herself.

“I think it was a good trade. I think it was needed for both parties, for the organization and Angel. I say Angel was getting too big as far as who she is, as far as her brand, for the organization in the sense. She needs to be in a place like Atlanta, in a place where the community supports her. Not to say Chicago didn’t support. They supported the [expletive] out of Angel. Chicago just has a history of just butting heads with talent,” Carmelo said.

Atlanta finished 2025 with a 30-14 record before bowing out earlier than expected in the playoffs. But the season revealed a team trending upward, and the Dream didn’t waste time building on that momentum.

Former Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese

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Adding Reese represents the biggest offseason splash across the league, and it puts her in a system built to maximize what she does best.

The coaching staff in Atlanta earned praise for developing players while expanding their offensive versatility. Reese will get the chance to dominate the glass, experiment with playmaking responsibilities, and work on her perimeter game.

With Brionna Jones and Naz Hillmon returning, head coach Karl Smesko now controls multiple frontcourt rotations. Reese’s brand will follow her anywhere, but her impact in Atlanta will come down to how she fits into this structure and what the Dream can unlock.