Angel Reese exit interview canceled as Sky confront potential offseason overhaul

The Chicago Sky canceled exit interviews for Angel Reese, Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins, the team announced Monday, a move that underscores ongoing offseason questions as the Sky head toward roster decisions. Chicago finished the season 10-34 and was eliminated by the New York Liberty in a Sept. 11 loss. Front Office Sports reported the three players would not participate in exit interviews, a decision the Sky did not publicly explain.

Reese, 23, sparked controversy earlier this month after telling the Chicago Tribune that she was "not settling for the same s--t we did this year" and indicating the roster needed upgrades. She spoke about not wanting to rely on Vandersloot's return at age 36 and suggested the team would benefit from adding younger players with championship experience, including mention of Rachel Banham and Hailey Van Lith as possible contributors. Reese said she would like to remain with the Sky for her career, but admitted she might pursue a trade if the roster did not improve.

Her comments drew a punishment from the Sky, who suspended her for a half over the remarks described as "detrimental to the team." She did not appear in any of the Sky's final four games of the season.

Reese was the No. 7 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft out of LSU. This season she averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, leading the league in rebounds; as a rookie she averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds.

With the season in the rear-view, Reese's path to a different team could become part of the Sky's offseason narrative, as the team weighs whether to rebuild around a younger core or pursue immediate upgrades. Any decision on trades or signings will play into the broader trajectory for a franchise that has struggled to translate regular-season success to postseason results. The Sky's offseason agenda remains unresolved as they prepare for a critical series of moves.