Chicago Sky star Angel Reese is gearing up to appear in the inaugural season of Unrivaled. In addition to refining her skills during the WNBA season, the new 3v3 league camp has provided her with the opportunity to spend more time with peers from other teams, including former Sky player Marina Mabrey.
Mabrey, a shooting guard, was initially selected by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2019. She went on to play with the Dallas Wings before joining the Chicago Sky, where she spent a season and a half. In July 2024, she was traded to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for guards Rachel Banham and Moriah Jefferson, a 2025 1st round pick, and the rights to swap 2026 first round picks.
In a recent video posted by Reese, she playfully asked Mabrey about rumors suggesting that she left the Sky because of issues with her. “Money Mabrey, I have a conspiracy. People want to know. Marina, did you leave Chicago because of me?” Reese inquired.
“No!” Mabrey promptly responded, with both sharing a laugh. “I love Angel, the real ones know,” she affirmed, dispelling any speculation of discord between them. In truth, Mabrey had previously discussed her choice to depart from the Sky.
“Being part of a team like this that is so disciplined with a championship mindset, I haven’t experienced that yet,” Mabrey shared with reporters in Boston in August, a comment that was interpreted as a slight towards Chicago. However, the upcoming 2025 season could bring changes for both the Sun and the Sky.
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Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun will start a new era
In the previous season, the Connecticut Sun were eliminated in the second round of the WNBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Lynx, who ultimately reached the finals. On the other hand, the Chicago Sky fell short of making it to the postseason. Both teams are poised for a fresh beginning in 2025.
The Sun will now be under the guidance of Rachid Meziane, taking over from Stephanie White who departed in October 2023 to lead the Indiana Fever. The team is likely to undergo significant changes as many key players, including Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones (unrestricted), DeWanna Bonner, and others, are due to enter free agency.
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Conversely, the Chicago Sky parted ways with Teresa Weatherspoon to bring in Tyler Marsh, a former Las Vegas Aces assistant coach. With Reese and Kamilla Cardoso as their marquee players, the Sky’s moves in the market will be worth watching.
