The Atlanta Dream are soaring into the 2026 WNBA season with legitimate championship buzz, and a major trade is the reason why. The acquisition of two-time All-Star and reigning rebounding champion Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky has dramatically reshaped the league's landscape, catapulting Atlanta's starting lineup into the elite tier.
This move is a statement for a franchise on the rise. After a remarkable turnaround from 15 wins in 2024 to a conference-best 30-14 record last season, the Dream are doubling down on their core. While a playoff exit stung, the front office responded by adding a premier talent to an already formidable group.
The impact is already being felt in power rankings. In a recent evaluation of all 15 WNBA starting lineups, the Dream's new-look squad landed at an impressive third overall, slotting in just behind the back-to-back champion New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces. They now sit ahead of rivals like the Indiana Fever, signaling a significant shift in the Eastern Conference hierarchy.
So, what makes this lineup so potent? It starts with returning firepower. All-Stars Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard provide explosive scoring from the perimeter, while the rock-solid presence of four-time All-Star center Brionna Jones anchors the paint on both ends of the floor. Add in the energy of Sixth Player of the Year Naz Hillmon, and the foundation was already strong.
Enter Angel Reese. The league's top rebounder now joins the WNBA's best rebounding team, creating a potential nightmare for opponents on the glass. But Reese is more than just a board-crasher; she showcased improved playmaking and ball-handling in Chicago. In Atlanta's high-octane system under coach Karl Smesko, expect her to expand her game even further, making an already efficient offense—ranked second in the league last season—even more dangerous.
By pairing an elite offensive engine with a defense that also ranked second, the Dream have built a complete team. The addition of Reese isn't just an upgrade; it's the final piece that transforms a very good team into a title favorite. The message is clear: Atlanta isn't just dreaming of a championship anymore—they're built to win it.