Natasha Cloud has been traded for the second time in two months. Cloud, who signed with the Phoenix Mercury in 2024, was traded from Phoenix to the Connecticut Sun as part of the Alyssa Thomas deal in February. On Sunday, the Liberty agreed to acquire Cloud from the Sun in a big trade, espnW reports. Connecticut will receive a 2025 and 2026 first round pick in return for Cloud.
New York Liberty trade for Natasha Cloud
The Liberty earned a championship in 2024. Adding Cloud provides them with an experienced veteran guard who understands what it takes to win at the WNBA level.
Cloud, 33, has played in the WNBA since 2015, originally making her debut with the Washington Mystics. Cloud spent most of her career in Washington, playing with the Mystics through the 2023 campaign. However, as mentioned earlier, she signed in Phoenix in 2024 before getting traded to Connecticut and now New York this offseason.
In 2024, Cloud averaged 11.5 points, 6.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. The veteran guard made an immense impact, and one has to imagine the Mercury would have preferred to have kept her on the roster. The possibility of acquiring Thomas clearly caught their attention, though, leading to the trade.
The Sun are rebuilding. Connecticut played well last season, but they have lost a number of impactful players during the offseason. With Cloud now set to join a new team, the 2025 campaign could end up being a forgettable WNBA season in Connecticut.
The same cannot be said for New York. In fact, the Liberty should have a legitimate opportunity to defend their championship.
Liberty ready to defend championship
Winning one championship in the WNBA is difficult enough, and winning two consecutive WNBA Finals is extremely rare. The Liberty are clearly trying to build a dynasty, though. New York will rely on Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones to lead the way. With Cloud now set to join the roster, the Liberty have become even more dangerous.
Anything can happen once the postseason begins, of course. Teams such as the Las Vegas Aces and Minnesota Lynx could end up upsetting the Liberty. At the moment, though, New York appears to be in a great position to make another deep playoff run.
Nothing is guaranteed, but the New York Liberty's future looks even brighter with their trade for Natasha Cloud.