'No-Brainer,' Angel Reese Trade Discussed by Dream HC Karl Smesko, GM Dan Padover

Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko and general manager Dan Padover had high praise for newly acquired star forward Angel Reese while discussing the recent trade with the Chicago Sky.

"We always look forward," Padover said during a media call on Sunday, per ESPN's Michael Voepel. "To get an opportunity to bring a player of Angel's talent in, and someone that our players deeply respect, for us, it was a no-brainer."

"She makes us more versatile on offense," Smesko added. "She's going to get us extra possessions [with her rebounding]. We're going to be able to get out and run, so all the things we really like to do. That's going to make us even better at it."

The Dream sent 2027 and 2028 first-round draft picks to the Sky on Monday to acquire Reese, who is one of the WNBA's elite rebounders. The two-time All-Star averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds in 30 games last season for a Chicago team that went 10-34.

While Reese's defensive acumen has never been a question, she could surely improve her efficiency at the offensive end. She's a career 42.1 percent shooter, and Smesko was asked about how he plans to help her continue to make strides in that area.

"Part of the coaching staff's responsibility is developing players," Smesko said. "When Angel comes in, we'll sit down and talk and come up with a plan together. You want something that the player's involved in, so they understand what we're trying to get accomplished. They can help you formulate a good plan for their own development if you listen to them."

Reese is being added to a strong core in Atlanta led by Olympians Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard. The Dream went 30-14 last year in their first season under Smesko, and they will surely be hoping to reach even greater heights in 2026 following Reese's arrival.