Two quiet transactions from early April have turned into the defining storylines of this year's championship series, and commentator Jemele Hill pointed straight to them.

Hill drew attention to a pair of early offseason moves that now look like the most consequential of the 2026 WNBA season.

“Angel Reese was traded to the Dream on April 6. Not even a week later, the Valkyries signed Gabby Williams to a multi-year deal,” stated Hill on her X post. “These are the two most important additions in the offseason, and now they meet in the Finals. Unreal.”

Hill, in her X post, pointed out this fact that both of these were signed days apart from each other. On April 6, the Atlanta Dream acquired Angel Reese in a trade from the Chicago Sky. Less than a week later, the Golden State Valkyries signed free-agent forward Gabby Williams to a multi-year contract. 

Reese arrived in Atlanta looking for a larger role and a winning environment after two seasons in Chicago. The Dream, coming off a first-round exit the previous year, viewed her as the missing physical presence and rebounding force who could lift their defense and second-chance offense. 

She delivered immediately, leading the league in rebounding, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors, and helping Atlanta post a 30-14 regular-season record before going undefeated through the first two rounds of the playoffs.

Williams, meanwhile, joined an expansion franchise still building its identity. The Valkyries targeted her as a versatile, high-IQ forward who could defend multiple positions, stretch the floor, and provide veteran leadership. 

Her signing proved pivotal as Golden State grew into one of the league's most disciplined teams. She contributed steady production and defensive versatility all season, helping the Valkyries earn the No. 2 seed and eventually sweep the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.

The parallel timing is striking. Within days of each other, two franchises made targeted additions that addressed clear needs. Reese gave the Dream a dominant interior presence and emotional spark, while Williams gave the Valkyries a two-way wing capable of matching up against elite forwards while adding playmaking and experience. 

Both thrived in their new environments, and both helped carry their teams to the Finals in the same season.

Angel Reese has something to say to the Valkyries

Angel Reese isn't celebrating just yet. The Atlanta Dream just swept the New York Liberty to reach the 2026 WNBA Finals, and her message afterward was direct.

Following the series-clinching 85-83 win, Reese made clear the work isn't finished. 

"The job is not done... we're not satisfied," she said, as published by Bolavip. "Atlanta, I can't wait to see you in the Finals."

The Defensive Player of the Year has been central to Atlanta's perfect 5-0 postseason run. She put up 22 points and nine rebounds in the decisive Game 3 against New York, continuing a stretch of high-energy performances that carried the Dream past both Washington and the Liberty without a loss.

Next up is Golden State. The expansion Valkyries, only in their second season, swept the defending champion Las Vegas Aces to reach the Finals. Atlanta opens the best-of-seven series on the road.

Do you think Reese and the Dream can finish the job against Golden State?

Written by

Zaid Quraishi