The Connecticut Sun have traded Natasha Cloud to the New York Liberty in exchange for the No. 7 pick in the 2025 WNBA On Sunday evening, the team announced their draft picks. The Sun, having obtained Cloud in the deal that sent the long-standing franchise cornerstone away, Alyssa Thomas to the Phoenix Mercury , accumulated additional draft picks, while the Liberty enhanced their already impressive roster by acquiring one of the game’s top two-way talents.
Over her 9-year WNBA career, during which 8 years were spent with the same team, Cloud has averaged 8.6 points, 5.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. Washington Mystics She was an outstanding perimeter defender who earned a spot on the first team of the All-Defensive squad once and made the second team twice (in 2019 and 2024). In 2019, she also claimed a WNBA title with the Mystics, and her victory experience will be invaluable for a team that has grown accustomed to success.
The Athletic It was reported that Cloud asked for a trade shortly after arriving in Connecticut. During an interview with Unrivaled, Cloud stated to reporters that she did not anticipate being traded after agreeing to her contract with the Mercury.
I simply desire the optimal circumstances for me and my loved ones going ahead," she stated. "I also wish to join an entity that genuinely commits resources across every level—facilities, teams, locations—all of these aspects matter to me. My aim is to contend for titles.
In New York, Cloud will surely have the opportunity to vie for one.
Natasha Cloud strengthens a already impressively deep New York Liberty team roster
The Liberty aim to protect their first-ever WNBA championship and are now adding another top-tier player to their roster. Sabrina Ionescu , Breanna Stewart , and Jonquel Jones lead with the charge, yet Cloud will add another robust perimeter defender and playmaker, which is particularly needed given that Courtney Vandersloot joined the Chicago Sky during this off-season.
We couldn’t be happier to bring Natasha Cloud into the New York Liberty family," stated Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb. "We recognized Tash several years back as an ideal addition to our squad and she perfectly represents all the qualities we seek in a player.
She consistently makes a significant impact on the Barclays Center audience, and we're excited about witnessing the top supporters in the WNBA welcome her every night. Tash will surely enhance our team's performance on offense and defense as we aim for another championship in 2025.
In addition to Vandersloot, the Liberty lost veteran forward Kayla Thornton this offseason, who was selected by the Golden State Valkyries In the expansion draft, Cloud will bring a potent scoring ability and seasoned experience that could bolster the team as they aim for consecutive championships.
For the Connecticut Sun, acquiring this trade provides extra draft picks.
The Sun currently possess the No. 7 and No. 8 selections in the 2025 WNBA Draft, along with last year’s fifth-overall pick. Jacy Sheldon The team’s latest maneuver indicates they are moving into a rebuild phase following the loss of their complete starting lineup during the previous off-season. The Sun have kept longtime point guard Swainstag. Marina Mabrey and signed a Hall of Fame center Tina Charles However, they will primarily surround themselves with younger talents. Trading an experienced player who sought to leave for more youthful prospects appears to be an obvious choice.
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