The New York Liberty just got even stronger. The defending WNBA champions made a big splash by acquiring veteran guard Natasha Cloud in a trade with the Connecticut Sun.
The move was a shock, considering Cloud had just been traded to the Sun last month and never suited up for them. But Liberty fans? They’re loving it.
Natasha Cloud Joins the WNBA Champs in Surprise Trade, and Fans Couldn’t Be Happier
The Liberty announced the trade on X, sharing an image of Cloud in a Liberty uniform with the caption:
“The NY Liberty welcomes veteran guard Natasha Cloud!”
The NY Liberty welcomes veteran guard, Natasha Cloud!🗽
Welcome to NY, @T_Cloud4! 💪☁️ pic.twitter.com/c2qhbWj1Y6
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty)
In return, Connecticut received two draft picks—New York’s seventh overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and a first-rounder in 2026.
Cloud, 33, brings experience, leadership, and elite playmaking to a stacked Liberty squad. Last season with the Phoenix Mercury, she averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. A proven winner, she helped lead the Washington Mystics to a championship in 2019 and has twice been named to the WNBA All-Defensive Team.
For the Liberty, adding a floor general like Cloud could be the missing piece to their title defense. Her ability to facilitate and defend at a high level makes her a seamless fit alongside stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. Fans wasted no time celebrating the move, with many already thinking about another championship.
“WE GOING BACK TO BACK”
WE GOING BACK TO BACK
— Brunson Betta 🙄 𓅓 (@EmmanuelXV_)
Adding Cloud gives the Liberty one of the deepest backcourts in the league, pairing her with Sabrina Ionescu and strengthening their perimeter defense and playmaking. While some fans were excited to see Ionescu take on more point guard duties, Cloud’s arrival gives New York another elite playmaker who can run the offense and take defensive pressure off their stars.
“I was excited to see Sabrina run the point, but this is a HUGE pickup!”
I was excited to see Sabrina run the point, but this is a HUGE pickup!
— Neek (@NeekUGottaChill)
Cloud led the WNBA in assists in 2022 and has been a top-tier defender. Leadership could be a game-changer for a Liberty squad looking to repeat as champions.
“Welcome to New York! The Liberty 4! Love that name for Natasha, Sabrina, Breanna, and Jones!”
Welcome to New York! The Liberty 4! Love that name for Natasha, Sabrina, Breanna, and Jones!
— Justin David Kish • Sports Journalist (@JustinDavidKish)
The trade came out of nowhere, and Liberty supporters were caught off guard but thrilled. The excitement is clear—New York is doubling down on a championship run.
“Let’s goooooooooooo 😎”
Let’s goooooooooooo 😎
— nba paint (@nba_paint)
Another fan chipped in to share the excitement:
Welcome, Natasha Cloud! 🎉 Big boost for the Liberty!
Welcome, Natasha Cloud! 🎉 Big boost for the Liberty!
— Pankaj (@zerofilterss)
Cloud joins a Liberty squad fresh off a championship run, looking to defend their 2024 WNBA title. With this move, they’re ensuring they have every piece necessary to go back-to-back and keep the trophy in New York.
