Liberty Land Veteran Guard Natasha Cloud in Blockbuster Trade with Sun
The New York Liberty, fresh off their historic WNBA championship victory, have further solidified their roster with the acquisition of veteran guard Natasha Cloud. In a significant trade finalized earlier today, the Liberty secured Cloud from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for the No. 7 overall selection in the upcoming WNBA draft and the Liberty’s coveted 2026 first-round pick.
This move signals the Liberty’s unwavering commitment to maintaining their championship caliber and mounting a strong defense of their title. Adding a player of Cloud’s caliber injects even more experience, defensive prowess, and playmaking ability into an already formidable Liberty lineup.
For Cloud, this trade marks yet another chapter in what has already been a whirlwind offseason. The nine-year WNBA veteran, at 33 years old, finds herself on her third team in a remarkably short span. Just under two months ago, Cloud was traded from the Phoenix Mercury to the Connecticut Sun in a high-profile deal that saw five-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas land in the desert.
The Sun, it seems, are undergoing a strategic rebuild, and this trade reflects that direction. By acquiring the No. 7 overall pick and a future first-rounder, Connecticut continues to amass valuable draft capital, positioning themselves for long-term success through roster reconstruction. The Sun also acquired the No. 12 overall pick in the prior deal that sent Thomas to Phoenix, further highlighting their commitment to rebuilding through the draft.
The Liberty, on the other hand, are clearly prioritizing immediate contention. After finally breaking through and securing their first WNBA championship last October, the organization is determined to build a dynasty. Cloud, with her proven track record and championship pedigree, fits perfectly into this vision.
Cloud brings invaluable experience to the Liberty locker room, having already tasted championship glory herself. She was a key member of the Washington Mystics team that captured the WNBA title in 2019. Her leadership, poise under pressure, and unwavering commitment to winning will undoubtedly be assets for the Liberty as they navigate the challenges of defending their crown.
"We could not be more excited to welcome Natasha Cloud to the New York Liberty family," expressed GM Jonathan Kolb in a statement released by the team. "Tash is someone who we identified years ago as a prime fit for our team and embodies everything we look for in a player. Her character, leadership, and dedication to winning align perfectly with our organization’s values."
Cloud’s statistical resume speaks for itself. Over eight seasons with the Mystics and one with the Mercury, she has consistently contributed across the board, averaging 8.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. However, statistics only tell part of the story. Cloud’s true value lies in her tenacious defense. She is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier defenders, consistently locking down opposing guards and disrupting offensive flow. Her defensive accolades include earning All-Defensive first-team honors once and second-team honors twice, a testament to her impact on that end of the court.
The addition of Cloud to the Liberty’s roster creates a potentially devastating combination of talent and experience. She will join a core group that already includes stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, forming a superteam that will be the envy of the league. Opposing teams will face a monumental challenge in trying to contain the Liberty’s multifaceted attack and break through their suffocating defense.
While the Liberty are clearly winners in this trade, the Sun’s strategy is also understandable. Building a championship contender takes time and patience, and accumulating draft capital is a proven method for constructing a sustainable winning program. The Sun are betting on their ability to identify and develop talent through the draft, hoping to unearth future stars who can lead them back to the top of the WNBA.
However, the pressure is now on the Liberty to deliver. With a roster brimming with talent and a championship already under their belt, expectations are sky-high. The acquisition of Cloud only amplifies those expectations. The Liberty will be under intense scrutiny as they embark on their quest to repeat as champions.
This trade undoubtedly shifts the landscape of the WNBA. The Liberty have cemented their status as the team to beat, while the Sun have embarked on a new path, focused on building for the future. The coming season promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive in league history, with the Liberty leading the charge as they chase their second consecutive WNBA title. The acquisition of Natasha Cloud is a bold statement, a declaration that the Liberty are all-in on their pursuit of sustained success. Only time will tell if this move will ultimately lead to another championship banner hanging in the Barclays Center rafters.
