Sky GM Confirms No Intentions to Trade Angel Reese After Controversial Criticisms

Now that the 2025 WNBA regular season is over, the most attention-grabbing situation is that involving Angel Reese and her Chicago Sky, amidst rumors of the star forward leaving in the offseason.

The franchise did not appreciate her criticism of her teammates and the front office, punishing her by suspending her for the 1st half of their September 7th game against the Las Vegas Aces.

That did not seem to deter her, as she then skipped the 2nd half and did not play their final two games of the regular season. After the final game, many felt that Reese staying back to meet fans was a sign that she was probably saying her goodbyes.

In her own words, she was frustrated after constantly losing ever since she arrived in the WNBA, and wanted a change. Otherwise, she threatened to demand a trade to a franchise where she can be successful.

Once their season was over, all Chicago Sky players were asked to go through mandatory exit interviews. Along with them were coach Tyler Marsh and GM Jeff Pagliocca. When the latter was asked about the trade rumors involving Angel Reese, he replied:

She’s a special player. I have good conversations with Angel and her team daily, they’re constant and productive. Until I hear differently, the direction we’re moving in is that she’s on the roster.

Jeff Pagliocca replied, as quoted by a Winsidr reporter

Jeff on how the front office will approach Angel this offseason:

“She’s a special player. I have good conversations with Angel and her team daily—they’re constant and productive. Until I hear differently, the direction we’re moving in is that she’s on the roster.”

— C. C.,Esq. (@ItsCwaysWorld) September 12, 2025

From this answer, it seems clear that the Sky wants to keep their star forward. Pagliocca emphasized that the team is moving on from the episode that has cast a cloud over the franchise over the past week.

Sky GM agrees to some of Angel Reese’s criticisms

One of the criticisms Angel Reese has of the Chicago Sky is that she believes the team is not good enough to help her win games. She essentially belittled her teammates and has since apologized to them both internally and publicly.

When Jeff Pagliocca was at this exit interview, one of the questions raised was whether the franchise was going to act on her demands for better players.

We absolutely need to improve the roster. We are really committed to getting back to a place where we are competing with the best teams in this league.

Jeff Pagliocca replied

It seems he is agreeing to what his most important player said to The Chicago Tribune this past week. Pagliocca mentioned that the injury to veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot did complicate things. But they are going to look at how to improve the roster.

GM Jeff Pagliocca echoes Angel Reese’s earlier comments (which she later apologized for) when asked if he would run it back with this roster:

“We absolutely need to improve the roster.”

(Via Chicago Sky) pic.twitter.com/tC6BkPazz7

— C. C.,Esq. (@ItsCwaysWorld) September 13, 2025

He also confirmed that once Vandersloot was healthy, she would continue playing for this team. Continuing with the 36-year-old was one of the concerns Reese raised. But it seems they will continue with the 2-time champion.

Sky GM reiterates desire to be successful amidst ‘Fire Jeff’ chants

During their final game of the 2025 regular season, many fans held up signs and chanted ‘Fire Jeff’. Social media has also called for a change in ownership after the franchise’s past shenanigans with star players resurfaced. When asked about this, Jeff Pagliocca said:

I’m appreciative that we have passionate fans that want to see winning. We feel the same… We are going to get this right.

Jeff Pagliocca replied

Pagliocca mentioned that hearing those chants was not what he imagined, but reiterated that he has put his heart and soul into the job, and wants to succeed as much as the fans.

“We are going to get this right.”

—GM Jeff Pagliocca on the “Fire Jeff” chants and whether Sky ownership has heard fans’ requests.

(Via Chicago Sky) pic.twitter.com/aMQkx9b8Xd

— C. C.,Esq. (@ItsCwaysWorld) September 13, 2025

He reiterated that the ownership is also intent on building a competitive team. This means they may do all they can to keep Angel Reese happy. With no 1st round pick next season, the last thing they want is to lose their star player.

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