Angel Reese Says She’s ‘Good GM,’ Can Help Sky Recruit in 2025 WNBA Free Agency

UNCASVILLE, CT - SEPTEMBER 19: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky looks on during the game against the Connecticut Sun on September 19, 2024 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese intends to do her part to bring talent to the Windy City this offseason.

The first-year forward told reporters she’s “a good GM on the low” and offered some input to Teresa Weatherspoon and general manager Jeff Pagliocca.

“Obviously players reach out and say they would love to play with me, so I just let (Pagliocca) know and he does what he wants,” Reese said, per Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune.

Despite playing in such a large market, the Sky have historically struggled to sign or even retain marquee talent.

Candace Parker was the clear exception when she returned home in 2021.

Parker left after just two seasons and the rest of Chicago’s championship-winning roster eventually followed her out the door. That was a bit of a reality check in terms of how much — or how little in this case — the Finals run shifted the general perception of the franchise.

The tide might be turning slightly.

The Sky have a promising young core with Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Chennedy Carter. In the case of Carter, she’s a restricted free agent so re-signing her should be relatively straightforward on the heels of her breakout.

While Chicago is still a long way off returning to a title-contending level, it should be firmly in the conversation for the 2025 playoffs. More broadly, plans to construct a new dedicated practice facility by December 2025 point to a level of organizational investment that has long been lacking.

Per Her Hoop Stats, the Sky are projected to have the second-most salary cap space ($923,625) in the league. Money won’t be an issue for Pagliocca, either.

However, other factors are working against Chicago.

This isn’t a blockbuster free-agent class coming up because a few stars who were due to hit the open market re-signed with their current teams already. Some of the big names who will be theoretically available (Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum and Alyssa Thomas) don’t seem all that likely to leave, limiting the Sky’s talent pool further.

The current collective bargaining agreement casts a big shadow over the entire league, too.

Either side can opt out of the CBA after the 2025 season, and the players have every reason to exercise that option since the new media rights deal is poised to send the salary cap skyrocketing. It’s not a coincidence there are just 30 players signed to contracts for 2026, per Spotrac. Players have clearly been preparing for a salary spike and don’t want to be tied down to a below-market contract.

Because of that, the Sky and every other team will probably struggle to get agreements on deals beyond one year. That’s less than ideal for Chicago when it still has a pretty young squad and can’t realistically sell a vision of reaching the Finals in 2025.

Still, it can’t hurt for Reese to reach out directly to her peers and make a pitch on the Sky’s behalf.

Related Posts

Ricky Gervais fans compare £14m London home to ‘private hospital’ in cruel jab

Ricky Gervais has given fans a glimpse inside his £14million mansion in London after moving into the sprawling property over the summer. Gervais’ foyer is distinguished by…

GB News star loses it live on air as convicted rapist avoids deportation

The man was allowed to stay in the country due to fears of violent attacks where he was from for being bisexual. GB News host Emily Carver has fiercely criticised…

ITV Emmerdale’s Wendy Posner’s past explained as she’s blackmailed over betrayal

Emmerdale’s Wendy Posner was revealed to be hiding a dark secret back in 2021, but what is she hiding and is it about to be exposed again?…

BBC Masterchef star’s five-word verdict on axed series after Gregg Wallace scandal

Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has spoken out after the MasterChef Strictly special was axed following accusations about Gregg Wallace. Gregg Wallace left MasterChef amid an…

Emmerdale fans ‘work out’ who gets trapped under frozen lake after deadly ‘shooting’

Emmerdale fans are convinced they’ve worked out who will be trapped under the ice in upcoming scenes after a trailer teased a deadly incident at the frozen…

The Chase fans stunned by ‘age-defying contestant’ on ITV gameshow

The Chase viewers were left gobsmacked as they couldn’t believe the age of one of the contestants on the show, with many demanding to see evidenceThe Chase:…