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Ranking Angel Reese top potential new WNBA teams
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The post Ranking Angel Reese top potential new WNBA teams appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Angel Reese has quickly become one of the most polarizing and promising young stars in the WNBA. Known for her elite rebounding, tenacious defense, high motor, and charismatic presence both on and off the court, she has drawn as much attention for her play as for her outspoken nature. After being suspended by the Chicago Sky for "comments detrimental to the team" following the release of her interview with the Chicago Tribune, speculation has surged around whether the Sky are planning to move on from their 2024 first-round draft pick.
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If Chicago were to move on from Reese, the question becomes which WNBA teams are the best possible fits for her skill set and personality? Several factors must be considered, like team need, culture, roster construction, leadership, and Reese's current strengths and developmental areas. Let's rank the top WNBA teams for Reese to end up on in the event of a trade, starting from the least to the most ideal fit, to determine the optimal environment for her continued growth and impact in the league.
6. Minnesota Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx are a team that thrives on physicality, defense, and toughness — all qualities that Reese brings in abundance. Head coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve has a long history of building successful teams around strong defensive schemes and high-character players. Reese would fit well into the Lynx culture, particularly in lineups alongside Napheesa Collier , who could stretch the floor and take some scoring pressure off Reese.
From a basketball standpoint, the Lynx could use additional rebounding and interior depth, especially when facing teams with dominant post players. Reese's ability to guard multiple frontcourt positions and crash the glass would give Reeve flexibility in defensive matchups. Minnesota may also represent an opportunity for Reese to step into a bigger role than she might receive on a superteam, especially as the team looks to establish its next championship core. However, the bar for effort and accountability in Minnesota is high, and any off-court distractions would likely be dealt with swiftly. If Reese embraces that standard, she could flourish.
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5. Las Vegas Aces
The defending champion Las Vegas Aces might not be the most obvious fit, but they do offer certain advantages. For one, Reese would be surrounded by elite talent in A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young , and Chelsea Gray . Playing alongside such stars would reduce the pressure on Reese to produce immediately while allowing her to focus on rebounding, hustle, and spot defense. Head coach Becky Hammon has also built a championship culture where expectations are clearly communicated, and everyone knows their role.
However, the Aces' roster is crowded, and Reese would likely struggle for minutes behind established veterans unless injuries or strategic matchups opened up opportunities. Her lack of a consistent offensive game could limit her floor time on a team that prioritizes spacing and efficiency. That said, if Reese is willing to accept a role player status early in her career, being part of a winning organization could provide a valuable education in what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the WNBA.
4. New York Liberty
Coming off consecutive WNBA Finals appearances, the New York Liberty are one of the league's most stable and veteran-led teams. With stars like Breanna Stewart , Sabrina Ionescu , and Jonquel Jones , the Liberty don't need Reese to be a savior — they need her to be a specialist. And that's exactly what makes New York a strong fit. Reese could provide the Liberty with frontcourt depth, rebounding, and defensive intensity off the bench or as a situational starter. In a high-octane offense that often sacrifices physicality for pace and shooting, Reese's presence could balance the roster in matchups against teams with dominant bigs.
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More importantly, New York has the locker room infrastructure to absorb a player with a big personality. Head coach Sandy Brondello has successfully managed veteran egos and high-stakes personalities. The presence of Stewart and Jones, both seasoned professionals with championship experience, would provide Reese with role models who exemplify leadership, preparation, and professionalism. Though Reese would likely not be a focal point in New York's offense, the opportunity to grow under veteran mentorship while playing meaningful minutes in a championship pursuit could accelerate her development and solidify her value in the league.
3. Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm offer another strong fit, particularly as a team blending veteran leadership with a youth movement. The frontcourt duo of Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor provides both mentorship and stability, allowing Reese to learn from two of the league's most fundamentally sound forwards. Ogwumike, in particular, is known for her off-court leadership and player advocacy, traits that would serve as a guiding light for Reese as she continues to mature within the professional ranks.
Seattle's system under head coach Noelle Quinn is predicated on smart defensive play, rebounding, and spacing. Reese's strengths in rebounding and interior defense would allow her to carve out a consistent role while she works on expanding her offensive skill set, particularly her shooting range and efficiency. The Storm are in a soft retooling phase, not fully rebuilding but not yet at the peak of contention, which provides space for a player like Reese to grow without immediate pressure to carry the team. The Pacific Northwest market may also provide a slightly lower-pressure environment off the court, allowing Reese to focus more on basketball development and less on constant media scrutiny.
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2. Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings recently underwent a significant shift in their frontcourt, parting ways with NaLyssa Smith and restructuring their frontcourt around Teaira McCowan and young prospects. This leaves a gap in the power forward position that Reese could fill immediately. Dallas has long struggled with consistency in rebounding and defensive communication, both areas where Reese excels. Her presence would bring balance to a team with a heavy emphasis on perimeter play and transition offense.
Dallas's culture, however, is more volatile. The team has cycled through coaches and front-office strategies in recent years, and the structure may not be as conducive to player development and long-term growth as some of the other franchises. That said, if Reese is seeking a team where she can play significant minutes and be a featured frontcourt presence, Dallas may offer her the platform to prove herself. The trade-off would be less veteran leadership and potentially more chaos — a risk depending on how the situation unfolds.
1. Indiana Fever
The most compelling and natural fit for Reese lies with the Indiana Fever . The Fever are in the midst of a highly publicized rebuild centered around Caitlin Clark , the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and rising star center Aliyah Boston . Reese's tenacious rebounding, physical interior play, and defensive energy would complement Clark's perimeter shooting and Boston's post presence, creating a young, dynamic trio with immediate upside and long-term potential. Indiana has struggled with interior defense and rebounding depth, and Reese could provide instant help in those areas. Furthermore, her ability to generate second-chance opportunities fits perfectly in an offense that seeks to push the pace and create early offense.
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From a personality and branding standpoint, pairing Reese and Clark would captivate audiences and drive engagement. Despite their March Madness rivalry in college, both are competitors who could find common ground through mutual respect and shared ambition. Importantly, the Fever's leadership and coaching staff have shown a commitment to developing young talent with a strong culture and clear expectations, which is an ideal situation for a high-motor player like Reese who thrives when supported and empowered. While managing personalities would be crucial, the potential for both winning and growth makes Indiana the best landing spot.
Bonus: Toronto Tempo or Portland Fire
Angel Reese's talent is undeniable, and her rebounding and defensive prowess have already proven impactful in her rookie season. If the Chicago Sky choose to part ways with her, several teams could benefit from her unique skill set. The best fit appears to be the Indiana Fever, a team with young stars, positional need, and a culture that could both challenge and support Reese as she develops. The Liberty and Storm offer veteran mentorship and contending environments, while the Lynx and Wings could provide greater individual opportunity. Even the Las Vegas Aces present value if Reese accepts a role-player position in pursuit of a championship.
Ultimately, Reese's success will depend on her willingness to grow, adapt, and commit to team-oriented play while maintaining the confidence and edge that make her special. If placed in the right environment with strong leadership, clear expectations, and a system that values her energy, Angel Reese has the potential to become not just a WNBA star but a transformative force in the league for years to come.
