In a trade no one saw coming, the reigning WNBA champions New York Liberty agreed to a trade with the Connecticut Sun to acquire one-time champion Natasha Cloud in exchange for the No. 7 overall pick in this year’s draft and the Liberty’s 2026 future first-round pick. A trade that makes sense for both parties. The Sun hasn’t had the best offseason, from coach Stephanie White leaving for Indiana to superstars like Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, DiJonai Carrington, and Brionna Jones all leaving for different teams. The lone is Marina Mabrey, who requested a trade earlier this year but was denied.
What New York Gains With Natasha Cloud
On the other hand, New York gained a gritty player who embodies champion caliber and winning mentality. Cloud has won several awards for defense productivity, such as the 2022 All-Defensive First Team and two All-Defensive Second Team selections (2019, 2024). Cloud is a champion on and off the court and, surprisingly, does not get the credit she deserves. Natasha has played with two teams: eight seasons with Washington, winning a championship with the Mystics in 2019, and one season with the Phoenix Mercury.
Cloud is a sharpshooter and defensive powerhouse and helps her teammates shine and win games. A true point guard who facilitates the ball and has a team-first mentality. In 2022, she won the WNBA Assists Leader, averaging 5.3 assists per game.
New York needed a point guard like Cloud, who is selfless and battles for every possession, whether on offense or defense. The Liberty lost Courtney Vandersloot, who decided to return to Chicago, where she won a championship in 2021.
Cloud will improve the Liberty on the defensive end by having a vocal leader on that side of the court. Cloud joining New York will amp up the team’s energy and character. Cloud is an energetic, full of emotions and entertaining player. She is authentic wherever she plays and gives the team much-needed energy.
Natasha just finished playing in the inaugural Unrivaled Basketball season with team Phantom; her team finished last; however, Cloud had her usual grit game, averaging less than 20 points per game and having an explosive assists ratio.
