As the trade deadline nears, the Chicago Sky face critical choices to enhance their team around Angel Reese. With Reese delivering impressive double-doubles, the organization is looking for strategic upgrades to strengthen their playoff chances this season.

The Sky have demonstrated potential throughout the year but have struggled to maintain consistent performance. Currently positioned 12th with a 7-18 record, the team remains far from securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2023. Despite Reese’s strong individual contributions, several veteran players are yet to find their rhythm, and rotations are still being fine-tuned.

Potential player trades aimed at reinforcing Angel Reese’s support on the Chicago Sky

NaLyssa Smith was acquired by the Sky in February with expectations of providing versatile defense and floor spacing. However, her role has been limited, with irregular game appearances and averaging just 20.6 minutes per contest. Smith’s statistics reflect this, posting 6.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game without consistent impact on either offense or defense.

On a $160,000 contract, one of the largest on Chicago’s roster, Smith represents a valuable trade asset. Standing 6-foot-2 with defensive capabilities, she could attract teams seeking wing players with length and flexibility. Meanwhile, the Sky could use the trade to acquire younger talent or future draft picks to better complement Angel Reese’s development.

Sydney Wiese has been a steady contributor, appearing in all 25 games this season, including seven starts. However, with rising talents Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese solidifying the starting frontcourt and Maddy Westbled offering promising depth, Wiese’s role has shifted. She averages 8.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, performing reliably but no longer indispensable.

Given the Sky’s frontcourt depth, Wiese’s status as an experienced center makes her a practical candidate for trade. Teams seeking additional size or veteran presence to ramp up a playoff push would find her valuable. Moreover, her $100,000 contract could free up salary space for emerging bigs who bring versatility across positions.

Kia Nurse joined the Sky in January amid high expectations as a veteran guard and former All-Star who could boost shooting and leadership. Although Nurse contributes 7.3 points per game, she has not delivered the impact many anticipated. Other guards like Ariel Atkins and Rachel Banham are providing more significant scoring returns this season.

While Nurse remains an important leader off the court, her production has fallen short. Her $145,000 salary offers the Sky a noteworthy opportunity to trade her to a contending team seeking experienced backcourt depth. In return, Chicago could acquire a more dynamic ball-handler or shooter to strengthen their guard rotation and support Angel Reese’s continued success.

Why strategic trades are essential for the Chicago Sky’s playoff ambitions

The Chicago Sky’s current season challenges underline the urgency for roster adjustments, particularly to maximize Angel Reese’s championship potential. Though the team does not require a complete rebuild, carefully selecting trade targets allows them to address inconsistencies and bolster key areas such as wing defense, frontcourt depth, and perimeter shooting.

Moving players like Smith, Wiese, and Nurse could provide salary flexibility, acquire younger talent, and bring in future assets. These actions would better position the Sky to push beyond their current standings and build a roster capable of sustaining playoff success alongside Reese’s rising impact.

Ultimately, these anticipated trades signal the Sky’s commitment to strengthening their squad in time for the postseason, aiming to capitalize on Angel Reese’s valuable performances and turn potential into tangible results.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?

A. “I landed on my hand during the play, resulting in a small crack in my bone,” Reese explained in a video she shared on TikTok late Sunday. “The doctors informed me I have two options: either undergo surgery or avoid it.”

Q. Did Angel Reese get a degree?

A. Reese studied interdisciplinary subjects at Louisiana State University and also pursued a major in communications at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Q. What was Angel Reese’s injury?

A. Star forward Angel Reese from Chicago was unsure to play due to a back injury. However, she was declared unable to play roughly an hour before the game started. This marks the second consecutive game she is missing, having also not played in Chicago’s match against Seattle on Thursday.

Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?

A. Basketball is a family tradition for Angel, as both her parents played the sport in college. Her mom even went on to play professionally in Luxembourg. “She’s always been self-reliant and passed that on to me,” Angel shared with Just Women’s Sports in January 2023.