Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese WNBA Teammates? Analyst Says Not Anytime Soon
Iowa's own Caitlin Clark and rival Angel Reese turned heads with their standout chemistry at the FIBA Women's World Cup, leading some fans to dream about the two superstars joining forces on the same WNBA team. But according to basketball analyst Rachel DeMita, that dream may have to wait.
On a recent episode of the Courtside Club podcast, DeMita addressed a fan's hypothetical about the Indiana Fever trading Aliyah Boston to acquire Reese. While DeMita is excited about the possibility, she made it clear it is not happening in the near future.
Why a Clark-Reese pairing is unlikely right now
DeMita explained that while the on-court connection between Clark and Reese is special, a trade of that magnitude is not realistic at this stage of their careers.
“I don't think that this is going to happen anytime soon. Caitlin and Angel actually playing on the same team, like maybe later on in their career. And maybe that's something that we have to look forward to.”
The chemistry between the two was undeniable during the World Cup. Of Clark's 32 assists across six games, seven went to Reese, showing how well the former rivals read each other on the court.
“Whether you're a huge fan of Angel or a huge fan of Caitlin or you hate the other, you have to admit. There was really something special that they had on the court. Their chemistry was so good. Their court awareness of one another... It's like they somehow -- and maybe it's because they've studied each other's game. They knew where each other was.”
Clark's bond with Aliyah Boston remains strong
While the Clark-Reese pairing is a tantalizing thought, Clark's partnership with Fever teammate Aliyah Boston is already proven. The two are masters of the pick-and-roll, and Clark's ability to draw heavy perimeter defense opens up space for Boston to attack the paint.
In fact, Clark and Boston made WNBA history as the first pair of teammates to each record a 30-point double-double in the same game.
Friendship beyond the rivalry
Despite the intense rivalry that dates back to the 2023 NCAA championship, when Reese's LSU squad defeated Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes, the two have shown nothing but mutual respect during the World Cup. They were seen sitting together, laughing and bonding throughout the tournament.
“We can kind of rely on each other, lean on each other,” Reese said. “This is our first big national event, so being able to play with each other, learn each other, and go through this learning process together, it's fun.”
After Team USA's gold medal victory over France, Clark pushed back on the narrative that the two were only now becoming friends.
“We've always been friends. Don't do that,” Clark told a reporter who asked if they were “friends now” on Sunday.
Clark's response highlights how the entire Team USA roster left their WNBA rivalries at the door for the World Cup. Paige Bueckers addressed the same sentiment ahead of the tournament.
“Right now we're on the same team, we're wearing the same jersey.”
What's next for Clark and Reese
For now, both players are focused on the WNBA playoffs. Clark missed last season's postseason due to injury, while Reese is making her playoff debut. If their paths cross in the playoffs, fans could see the rivalry reignite on the biggest stage.
Whether they ever share a WNBA locker room remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the league's viewership records are not safe with these two on the court.