Angelic Reese Demands Major Changes for Sky Ahead of Free Agency

CHICAGO, Ill. — Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky‘s All-Star forward, has voiced her frustrations after another disappointing season, stressing the need for significant changes in free agency this winter. As the Sky ended the season with a dismal 9-30 record, the team’s future looks grim, and Reese is determined to see improvement.

“I’m not settling for the same s— we did this year,” Reese told the Chicago Tribune. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.” As one of the most influential players on the team, Reese is vocal about her expectations from the front office and coaching staff.

This offseason, Reese aims to attract top talent to Chicago, especially after expressing disappointment with the roster’s performance and injuries. She noted, “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, who is under contract through 2027, knows she may need to consider her future with the Sky if changes do not occur. “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 explained.

The debriefing from last season includes the dismissal of head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, which further complicated team dynamics. Reese wanted more aggressiveness and accountability from her teammates this year. She stated that if the team does not develop a cohesive identity, their struggles will continue.

Reese holds the front office responsible for the team’s issues, citing that any potential star acquisition will require showcasing Chicago as a destination for elite players. “We can’t rely on Courtney [Vandersloot] to come back at the age that she’s at,” she stated, touching on the former All-Star point guard’s season-ending injury.

The Sky’s front office has made moves in the past, but Reese stresses that they now need to make a compelling case to prospective free agents, emphasizing the necessity of building a competitive roster. “The priority is being able to convince [free agents] that this is an organization that is going in the right direction,” she said.

As Chicago heads into an important free agency period, Reese recognizes the stakes. “It would be a leap of faith for a great player to come here and show that this is something they want to be a part of,” she remarked. “We need great players, and I don’t know what will attract that.”

Training upgrades, including a new facility slated for completion next spring, may help reshape the Sky’s reputation. However, Reese is realistic about the challenges ahead in reshaping the team.