The Connecticut Solar have traded Natasha Cloud to the New York Liberty in trade for the No. 7 decide within the 2025 WNBA Draft, the workforce introduced Sunday evening. The Solar, who acquired Cloud within the commerce that despatched longtime franchise cornerstone Alyssa Thomas to the Phoenix Mercury, stocked up on draft capital, whereas the Liberty bolstered their already-talented roster with one of many recreation’s elite two-way gamers.
Cloud has averaged 8.6 factors, 5.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1 steal in he 9-year WNBA profession, 8 of which had been with the Washington Mystics. An elite perimeter defender, she was named to the All-Defensive First Crew as soon as, and boasts two All-Defensive Second Crew picks (2019, 2024). She received a WNBA championship with the Mystics in 2019, and can carry that have to a locker room now intimately accustomed to successful all of it.
The Athletic reported that Cloud had requested a commerce quickly after touchdown in Connecticut. Cloud informed reporters in an Unmatched media availability that she didn’t count on to be traded after signing a take care of the Mercury.
“I simply need the perfect scenario for myself and my household shifting ahead,” she mentioned. “And I simply need to be in a company that actually invests from prime to backside, amenities, workforce, location, all of that. I need to compete for championships.”
In New York, Cloud will definitely get the possibility to compete for one.
Natasha Cloud bolsters an already-stacked New York Liberty roster
The Liberty will look to defend their franchise-first WNBA title, and now carry one other elite participant into the fold. Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones headline the cost, however Cloud will present an extra sturdy perimeter defender and playmaker, which is especially-needed contemplating the truth that Courtney Vandersloot signed with the Chicago Sky this offseason.
“We couldn’t be extra excited to welcome Natasha Cloud to the New York Liberty household,” mentioned Liberty normal supervisor Jonathan Kolb. “Tash is somebody who we recognized years in the past as a first-rate match for our workforce and embodies every thing we search for in a participant.”
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Picture by Jordan Johnson/NBAE by way of Getty Photos
“She has at all times left a long-lasting impression on the Barclays Heart crowd, and we look ahead to seeing the perfect followers within the WNBA embrace her on a nightly foundation. Tash will undoubtedly strengthen our roster on either side of the ball as we pursue one other title in 2025.”
Along with Vandersloot, the Liberty misplaced veteran ahead Kayla Thornton this offseason, who was chosen by the Golden State Valkyries of their growth draft. Cloud will present a scoring punch and a veteran presence that ought to support the franchise as they pursue back-to-back titles.
For the Connecticut Solar, the commerce brings in further draft capital
The Solar now personal each the No. 7 and No. 8 picks within the 2025 WNBA Draft, along with final yr’s No. 5 total decide, Jacy Sheldon. The transfer additional indicators the Solar are coming into a rebuilding mode after shedding their complete beginning lineup this previous offseason. The Solar retained veteran guard Marina Mabrey, and signed Corridor of Fame heart Tina Charles, however will largely have younger expertise round them. Offloading a veteran participant who wished out in trade for extra younger expertise looks like a no brainer transfer.
