Chicago Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca maintained the relationship with Angel Reese is in a “good spot” despite the rookie’s disgruntled reaction to the firing of Teresa Wetherspoon.

After showing promise early in the 2024 WNBA season and positioning themselves to make the postseason, the Sky collapsed down the stretch – particularly after Reese suffered a season-ending wrist injury. Chicago eventually ended with a 13-27 record, which was ultimately four games worse than their record last season.

With the season over, the Sky front office decided to make a change. The franchise fired Witherspoon, with Reese declaring she was “heartbroken” given the pair had a positive, strong relationship.

“I’m heartbroken,” Reese wrote in a lengthy, honest statement posted to social media. “I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life. She was the only person that believed in me. The one that trusted me. Many don’t even know what it’s like to be a Black women in sports when nobody believes in you.

“You had a tough job. All the crazy circumstances that we went through this year & when your back was against the wall, you always believed. I came to Chicago because of YOU.

“You were an unsung hero in my life. We built a relationship in a short amount of time that will last forever. I’ll never question God why he brings people in my life and takes them away from me in the capacity that I need them but I’ve always believed everyone is in your life for a reason and a season. You were the best reason & season. You didn’t deserve this but I can’t thank you enough. I love you Tspoon. @Finisher_11.”

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Angel Reese's epic rookie season came to a premature end following her wrist injury

Angel Reese’s epic rookie season came to a premature end following her wrist injury ( 

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Getty Images)

Given her frustration over the decision, rumors have swirled about how content Reese is with life in Chicago. However, on Wednesday, Pagliocca told reporters: “The franchise’s relationship with Angel (Reese) is in a good spot.”

Reese, who recently revealed the cast came off her injured wrist earlier this week, enjoyed a stellar debut season. The 22-year-old was firmly in the WNBA Rookie of the Year honors alongside Caitlin Clark before her injury, finishing with 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds across her rookie campaign.

Last month, Reese launched her own podcast, “Unapologetically Angel” and has released new episodes weekly. When discussing her rivalry with Clark during an episode, Reese implied the pair could play on the same team in the future.

“[Basketball] is a game that we do both love, but there is no hate [between myself and Clark,” Reese said. “We’re going to play on the same team one day, I’m sure. We’re going to definitely play on the same team one day, maybe 2028.”