The Chicago Sky's 2024 draft class was supposed to change the franchise's trajectory. With the third pick in a loaded draft, the Sky took South Carolina's imposing center Kamilla Cardoso; four picks later, Chicago made a splash by selecting Angel Reese out of LSU, a college rival of Cardoso with a similar All-Star ceiling.
Two years in, Reese is a two-time All-Star, while Cardoso is still tapping into her deep well of potential. The Sky tied the Dallas Wings for the WNBA's worst record at 10-34, and Reese's patience is running thin.
Amid comments critical of the organization, Reese could be traded in the offseason as Chicago moves toward a reality where Cardoso becomes a long-term cornerstone in the frontcourt.
MORE: Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso shut haters up with stats never seen in WNBA history
Under first-year head coach Tyler Marsh, Cardoso achieved consistency that had eluded her as a rookie. She started 39 of her 40 games, averaging 13.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. Per 100 possessions, her numbers shot up to 25.7 points, 16.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.2 blocks.
"We had hard conversations as teammates and coaching staff that we needed more from me," Cardoso said Friday during exit interviews. "That was a point of emphasis going into the All-Star break. I'm proud of myself for what I did this year."
For Cardoso and the Sky, the goal remains returning to the playoffs and winning a title -- and she believes Chicago is on course to reach that goal, whether Reese is sticking around or not.
"I'm excited to see what the future has in store for us," Cardoso said, as the Sky enters an offseason with a lottery pick and a chance to recoup further assets in a Reese trade.
Cardoso: "Making it to the playoffs and winning championships. As a player that's always the goal. I'm excited to see what the future has in store for us."
— Karli Bell (@KarliBell33) September 12, 2025
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