NEW YORK — The New York Liberty announced on Sunday night the acquisition of Natasha Cloud from the Connecticut Sun. In return for the talented guard, the Liberty are giving up their No. 7 overall pick in this year’s draft, alongside the Sun’s first-round pick for the following year.
Standing at 5-foot-10, Cloud has spent much of her impressive nine-season career in the WNBA with the Washington Mystics. Her latest season saw her delivering strong performances for Phoenix, where she averaged 11.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. Looking at her career as a whole, Cloud boasts averages of 8.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Jonathan Kolb, the general manager of Liberty, expressed immense enthusiasm about Cloud’s addition to the team. “We are thrilled to welcome Natasha Cloud to the New York Liberty family,” noted Kolb. He highlighted Cloud as a perfect match for the team, representing the qualities they seek in their players.
Cloud is recognized for her exceptional playmaking skills, having led the league in assists and making it to the All-Defensive first team for Washington in 2022. Furthermore, her defensive prowess was also acknowledged when she was named to the All-Defensive second team for both Washington in 2019 and Phoenix in 2024. Earlier this year, Cloud was traded to the Sun.
Joining the reigning champions Liberty is a seamless transition for Cloud, given she already has the experience of clinching a WNBA title in 2019 with the Washington Mystics. “Her performances have always captivated the crowds at the Barclays Center,” Kolb remarked. “We eagerly anticipate seeing the finest fans in the WNBA give her a warm welcome every game night. Tash will undeniably enhance our roster in both offensive and defensive plays as we aim for another championship in 2025.”