Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky have some problems to sort out this offseason, that's for sure.
Since entering the WNBA in 2024, Reese has been a double-double machine for the Sky, averaging 14.1 points and 12.9 rebounds per game. Nonetheless, she hasn't been able to lead the franchise to the postseason. She expressed her frustration over the supporting cast during a recent interview.
"I'm not settling for the same s**t we did this year," Reese told the Chicago Tribune. "We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That's a nonnegotiable 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 to make sure we attract the best of the best, because we can't settle for what we have this year."
After Wednesday night's win over the Connecticut Sun, reporters asked Reese about her recent interview. The LSU product issued an apology to her teammates.
"I probably am frustrated [with] myself right now. I think the language is taken out of context. I really didn't intentionally mean to put down my teammates, because they've been through this with me throughout the whole year. They've busted their ass, just like I've busted my ass. They've showed up for me through thick and thin, and in the locker room when nobody could see anything," Reese told reporters, via OutKick. "So, I want to apologize to my teammates, which I already have, about the article and how it was misconstrued about what was said. And I just have to be better with my language. Because I know it's not the message, it's the messenger. And understanding what I say can be taken any kind of way. So, I just have to really be better and grow from this."
On Friday afternoon, the Sky announced that Reese has been suspended for the first half of their game against the Las Vegas Aces this Sunday.
"The Chicago Sky values the safety, respect, and well-being of every player. We are committed to accountability so our players can stay focused on playing basketball," their statement read. "Because of statements detrimental to the team made by Angel Reese during league-mandated media, she will not play in the first half of the game on September 7 against the Las Vegas Aces
Immediately after the Sky announced this punishment, countless people went on social media to air out their thoughts. For the most part, fans are backing up Reese.
"The team won a blowout after those comments This furthers my theory that the Sky have the worst front office in sports. What a clown decision," Doug Kezirian said.
"She needs to leave that trash organization the first chance she gets," one fan wrote.
"If I'm Angel I'm requesting a trade," a second fan commented.
"The way everything has unfolded in recent days, it certainly feels like this offseason will be crucial to both parties, and I would not be shocked to see a trade request made. Or else other heads will need to roll from the top down in order to bring change," a social media user added.
The Sky have Reese under contract for the 2026 season and hold a club option for 2027. At this rate though, it's hard to imagine her staying in the Windy City.
It'll be fascinating to see how this offseason plays out for the Sky. If they're not super aggressive in free agency, that might spell the end of Reese's time there.