After Teresa Weatherspoon’s firing, maybe it’s time for Angel Reese. Into her first season, T-Spoon’s Chicago Sky faltered with an abysmal 13-27 tally that held them from making it to the playoffs. As a repercussion of this poor performance, the Sky management decided to fire its coach, marking the third change in a short period of 2 years. While the 58-year-old must be brooding over her destiny, some fans opine that maybe Reese too would have to change her team, considering her exceptional performances rested on the fact that Weatherspoon treated her as a main player. Hence, fans got down to the task of predicting her trade package value amid the coaching drama.

As per a certain fan on Reddit, Reese might be traded to another team as the Sky will look to rebuild their squad with a new head coach. And therefore, the Chi-Town Barbie might have to look for a new home as her supportive coach was asked to pack her bags on Friday. Thus, the fan listed various factors that could make a difference to her trade value.

According to the fan, three reasons her trade value might increase are “incredible rebounder, good or great defender (opinions vary), on rookie scale contract for 3 more seasons,” whereas two main factors that could negatively impact her trade value are “offensive game is a work in progress,” and “others have said Angel is somewhat limited due to having a metal rod in her leg from a previous injury.”

The Maryland-born absolutely dominated the rebounds this season. She surpassed Candace Parker’s record of most consecutive rebounds in a single season by hitting 15. Additionally, despite not playing the last few games due to a season-ending wrist injury, Reese broke the record for the most boards in a singular season which was later surpassed by the MVP winner A’ja Wilson. Therefore, her rebounding talent could increase her trade value.

Next, her defensive skills might also come in handy if she is traded. The double-doubles Queen naturally has been great at defending as she also led her team in steals average with 1.3 per game. Therefore, Reese’s trade value will also increase when her defending skills are taken into account. Another thing that might prove useful to negotiate a better deal for herself is the fact that she is on a contract for four years. Therefore, looking at the longevity expected by the Sky from her, other franchises might be ready to pay a higher amount for her. However, there are also factors that could prove detrimental to her value.

Reese isn’t the best player when it comes to her offensive game. She has a paltry three-pointer percentage which coupled with her offensive game might just not land in her favor. The 22-year-old had gotten a lot of negative attention for rebounding her own misses while dealing on the other side of the court. Hence, the LSU Lady Tigers alumna might not get her desired trade value. Another reason that the social media user listed was that Reese has a rod inside her left leg, due to which her long-term plans in the W could be affected. Hence, this might get her a lower trade value. And reading these statements, fans had a reaction to the same.

Fans share their view on Angel Reese’s expected trade

“She’s their top personality and top draw, and plays pretty well. Organization does seem to have not much direction so I wouldn’t rule it out. But I would imagine ownership would not want to part with her,” one fan commented. Notably, Reese was drafted as the seventh overall pick in the WNBA 2024 draft and has been one of the top picks for the franchise. Hence, according to the fan, the management wouldn’t want to part with Reese who has not only brought so much limelight to the Chicago-based team but has also delivered a stellar performance.

“Not sure why they would trade her unless she demanded out – and still not sure they would. Productive player on a rookie contract. What they need to do is build around the two rookies like teams build around a vet or two. What the team actually does is anyone’s guess,” another fan questioned if Chicago will part with Reese. According to him, the team should build around her and Kamilla Cardoso (drafted as the third overall pick this season) much like how other teams build around their veteran players.

“I think Angel trade Value is really high considering the business side. She’s famous and brings a lot of attention. On top of that she’s a solid 6th man at absolute worst. I don’t think she’s getting traded for Aja or Phee but I can see a team giving up something similar to what the Sun gave for Mabrey,” another fan reflected. As per the fan, much like how the Sky had traded their star Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for Moriah Jefferson and Rachel Banham along with the right to get the Sun’s 2025 first-round pick, they might once again involve themselves in the trade.

“For them to trade her, she’d have to demand it,” another user commented. The Reese admirer was pointing to the fact that Sky has benefitted since her admission into the team. Reese has been the main attraction for the team and has helped them make money in ticket sales and also record mind-blowing viewership numbers. Hence, the only possibility of Reese getting traded lies if she demands one, which isn’t far-fetched since she had overtly stated when T-Spoon was fired, that the only reason she was with the Sky was due to the head coach.

While T-Spoon’s journey at the Sky might have ended for now, it remains to be seen which path Reese and the franchise will take. Hopefully, whatever the decision, it will come in favor of the Sky.