Atlanta Dream's WNBA Finals Trip Is Fueled by Marquee Trade Wins

October 13, 2026

The Atlanta Dream’s long-awaited return to the WNBA Finals hinges on a shrewd front-office strategy under General Manager Dan Padover, who took over in 2021 and has methodically reshaped the roster through three high-leverage trades. The cornerstone deal came in 2023, when the Dream acquired Allisha Gray—a former fourth-overall pick—in exchange for two draft selections, including the third overall pick that later became Maddy Siegrist.

Gray’s immediate impact as an All-Star and All-WNBA performer justified the cost, as the picks traded away failed to yield comparable talent. A year later, Atlanta secured Jordin Canada in a sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Sparks, sending Aari McDonald and the eighth overall pick (which indirectly helped the Lynx draft Angel Reese) in return.

Canada’s scoring leadership and Gray’s versatility have been pivotal as the Dream, now in their first Finals appearance since 2013, swept the Minnesota Lynx in the first round to claim their spot.