Liberty starter Natasha Cloud remains unsigned with WNBA preseason underway
Natasha Cloud, an acclaimed veteran guard, remains unsigned with less than two weeks to go before the start of the WNBA’s 30th season on May 8. She started 41 games last season for the New York Liberty. As a WNBA champion and a three-time All-Defensive team member, her availability is curious.
According to Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb, who publicly backed Cloud’s talent in light of reports alleging she was not a good culture fit, New York’s decision came down to roster and salary cap constraints. Social media discourse also speculated that some of her activism was an issue with the franchise. “There’s a lot out there that I’d just like to dispel,” Kolb said Sunday at his annual press conference.
“She’s an awesome human being,” he continued. “She’s a phenomenal basketball player. She belongs in the WNBA.
” But not with the Liberty, after a robust free agency period executed by Kolb. He traded two first-round picks for Cloud in 2025 to fill a void created by Betnijah Laney-Hamilton’s absence due to a knee injury. Kolb was willing to give up future assets for Cloud, who could help keep the 2024 WNBA Finals winners’ championship window open.
But now, Laney-Hamilton — who re-signed to a one-year, $400,000 contract — is back and a full go. In addition, Kolb added to the Liberty’s depth with one of the biggest free-agent signings of the offseason by bringing in Satou Sabally. He was able to sign Sabally without losing any assets in return because of Phoenix Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren’s decision not to core her.
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