Chicago Sky Announce Angel Reese Decision on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 12:38 PM ET

The Chicago Sky announced on Monday that Courtney Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins and Angel Reese will no longer participate in exit interviews after initially planning to hold theirs at a later date, as reported by Front Office Sports' Annie Costabile.

Costabile later noted that the New York Liberty also opted out, emphasizing that exit interviews are voluntary and primarily offer players a buffer before addressing offseason futures.

Despite this, Reese’s absence has drawn the most attention.

In a Sept. 3 Chicago Tribune interview, the two-time All-Star warned she "might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me" if the roster around her doesn't improve.

This latest update fuels speculation that Reese could be on her way out.

Update from the Sky:

Courtney Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins and Angel Reese will no longer conduct exit interviews. The team previously said these three would hold exit interviews at a later date after they did not participate with the rest of the team when the season ended.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) September 22, 2025

Shortly after Reese's comments on Sept. 3, the Sky suspended Reese for the first half of their Sept. 7 game against the Las Vegas Aces for comments deemed "detrimental to the team."

After that moment, she never returned to the lineup, missing the team's remaining four games and ending her season at 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

General manager Jeff Pagliocca told reporters on Sept. 12 that the Sky are "moving on as a team" and that he has "good conversations with Angel daily…until I hear differently, she’s on the roster."

Yet, trade speculation has only intensified, with league insiders linking Reese to multiple suitors if Chicago elects to rebuild around expiring veterans like Atkins and Vandersloot.

Vandersloot averaged 10.6 points, 5.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals in the first seven games of the season, before tearing her ACL on June 8, subsequently ending her season. Atkins, meanwhile, averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals across 34 games (34 starts).

While both players have been productive, Vandersloot is 36 and nearing the twilight of her career, while Atkins, who just turned 29 in July, is on an expiring contract. Outside of Reese, the team has made a limited effort to attract younger, established talent.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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