Former WNBA Champion Whom Angel Reese Tried to Recruit Receives Disappointing Update
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese had an incredible rookie season in the WNBA. She averaged 13.6 points and a league record 13.1 rebounds per contest en route to All-Star and All-Rookie honors.
The Sky still missed the playoffs last season, however, and the team needed to add some firepower to the lineup. Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper was an obvious choice, as she scored 21.1 points per game last year and teamed up with Reese during Unrivaled.
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Copper also played for Chicago before and was a key cog on the franchise's 2021 WNBA championship team. Reese reportedly tried to openly recruit Copper to rejoin the Sky this offseason.
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2).Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Sky already got off to a rough start in the 2025 WNBA season, dropping a brutal 93 to 58 game on the road to the Indiana Fever on opening day. Reese contributed a 12-point, 17-rebound double-double, but she needed help on the court.
Unfortunately, Copper received a disappointing update on Saturday. After initially reporting that she had a knee injury of unknown severity, the Mercury confirmed that she had knee surgery and will miss over a month of the WNBA season.
This is devastating news for Copper, as she is coming off of the best season of her career. However, it is also bad news for the Sky, as she was a potential trade candidate during the year if Chicago needed a jolt and Phoenix was looking to be a seller at the deadline.
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Now, it will be on head coach Tyler Marsh to figure out a way to maximize the players he already has in the building. Perhaps starting Hailey Van Lith or factoring Kamilla Cardoso into the offense more would be a good move.
Regardless, the Chicago Sky have plenty to work through before their next game. They'll take on the New York Liberty on Thursday, May 22.
Related: Angel Reese's Sky Teammate Sends Strong Statement After Caitlin Clark Drama
Related: Angel Reese Had Words for Caitlin Clark Foul After Sky's Loss to Fever
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