Have We Seen the Last of the Chicago Skyscrapers?
Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso are the most televised duo in the WNBA, but there are growing calls for them to be split up.
(this is not a report, it’s a prediction)
The Chicago Sky currently have the second-worst record in the WNBA, so it’s highly likely their roster will look completely different next season. What if we told you we found a trade for Cardoso that would land them one of the five most famous WNBA players—plus a first-round pick?
Let’s break down why a Kamilla Cardoso trade to the Golden State Valkyries makes way too much sense.
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Sky Trade Kamilla Cardoso to Valkyries Proposal
Chicago Sky Receive: G Kate Martin & GS 2026 1st Rounder
Golden State Valkyries Receive: C Kamila Cardoso
In a vacuum, adding Cardoso to the Valkyries is an ideal fit because of their gunslinging offensive style.
The Valkyries shoot the most three-pointers per game in the league, which perfectly suits a center like Cardoso, who thrives when the floor is spaced. In contrast, her current setup with the Sky clogs the paint. Both Angel Reese and Cardoso lack a reliable outside shot, making it easy for defenses to collapse in the lane.
The Valkyries, on the other hand, have guards like Veronica Burton, Janelle Salaün, and Tiffany Hayes—who’s shooting 44% from three this season.
Now, giving up a first-round pick might seem premature for an expansion team like Golden State, especially in just their second year. But considering they’re on pace to make the playoffs, this pick likely wouldn’t fall in the top five.
Looking at Kate Martin, she’s fallen out of head coach Natalie Nakese rotation. She’s currently in the midst of the worst stretch of her career—shooting just 1-for-14 from three over her last two games. That’s abysmal. It also signals that her fit with this Valkyries roster might not be long-term. She was recently named in TWSN’s list of potential trade candidates.
Why Would the Chicago Sky Make This Trade?
The biggest reason the Sky might consider this deal is that they could be sellers at the deadline. In this proposal, they receive a first-round pick and guard Kate Martin, who not only has fan appeal but also has potential as a floor spacer.
From a business standpoint, this move makes a lot of sense. Martin currently has the third-highest jersey sales in the league—surprising for a role player—but her influence extends well beyond her stat line.
As for Cardoso, there are clear concerns. Despite her potential, fans have consistently questioned her motor and intensity. She’s been slow on defensive rotations, gets into foul trouble often, and struggles against elite post players. Offensively, her footwork still needs polish, and she doesn’t stretch the floor.
Reese, for all her rebounding and hustle, also has limitations. Her offensive game remains one-dimensional—relying heavily on putbacks and transition buckets. She has yet to develop a consistent midrange shot or become a reliable free-throw shooter. The chemistry between her and Cardoso hasn’t materialized, and both need space in the paint to be effective—something they can’t both have at the same time.
Drama Between Angel Reese and Kate Martin?
Some fans have speculated about bad blood between Reese and Martin stemming from their college matchups (Iowa vs. LSU). However, Martin cleared the air on social media:
“Hey man, that post about Angel wanting me out of Unrivaled is completely untrue,” Martin wrote in a direct message to an Instagram user. “I try to stay out of social media BS, but I couldn’t let that one slide. I don’t like misinformation like that out there.”
Final Thoughts
If the Chicago Sky are ready to move on from the Reese-Cardoso pairing due to poor spacing and a lack of on-court synergy, the Golden State Valkyries are the perfect trade partner.
I’d immediately grade this trade as a win for Golden State. They land a 6’7″ center who’s only 24 years old and still developing. Surrounded by a team that shoots the lights out, Cardoso could become one of the league’s most dominant interior defenders and rebounders—and finally reach her ceiling.
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