How Natasha Cloud Gives New York Liberty A Championship Forecast

Acquiring talent is the best way to win a championship.

But acquiring more talent is the best way to repeat a championship.

The New York Liberty understand this lesson, and that’s why, in a major shakeup in the WNBA, Natasha Cloud is now a part of their franchise. Cloud is widely recognized as one of the best defensive point guards in the league.

The fact she has been traded to the New York Liberty is an immense deal for the franchise. The deal sends Cloud to the Liberty in exchange for two first-round picks—this year’s number 7 overall pick and a 2026 first-round pick to the Connecticut Sun.

With Alyssa Thomas gone (traded for those very picks), the Sun look to aim towards the future of their team. By bringing in these picks, Connecticut is setting up for a major overhaul. The Sun are in full rebuild mode, and while trading Cloud may seem like a risk, it could pay off in the long run.

However, for the assets in Cloud, which the Sun lost, the trade marks a pivotal moment for the Liberty franchise. They now look like they have solidified their roster for what looks like the beginning of not only a potential championship but a dynasty.

HOW DOES CLOUD FIT INTO NEW YORK’S LINEUP?

Let’s talk about why Cloud’s trade to the Liberty makes them even more dangerous.

Not only is Natasha Cloud one of the best defensive guards in the league, but she’s a pass-first point guard with one of the highest basketball IQs.

The Liberty already have a stacked roster. At the guard position, they boast one of the best players in the game in All-WNBA guard Sabrina Ionescu. Also in their backcourt, they are returning Marine Johannes to the fray.

Additionally, adding a player with Cloud’s defensive acumen and playmaking ability pushes them to another level. Cloud is going to fit seamlessly with the weapons they have in the frontcourt. Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, and Leonie Fiebich are going to love playing with Cloud. Her ability to create off the dribble and facilitate for her teammates makes her an incredible asset.

WHICH LINEUP IS BEST?

Whether Cloud is starting or coming off the bench, her impact on the roster will be felt. Where does Cloud fit into the starting lineup? The Liberty just won a championship last season, so it wouldn’t make sense to stray too far away from their original starting lineup.

Now that Courtney Vandersloot is gone, inserting Leonie Fiebich into the starting lineup makes the most sense.

G: Sabrina Ionescu

G: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton

F: Leonie Fiebich

F: Breanna Stewart

C: Jonquel Jones

Reserves: Natasha Cloud, Marine Johannes, Nyara Sabally, Isabelle Harrison

However, they could also boast a lineup with Cloud in the starting lineup as well.

G: Natasha Cloud

G: Sabrina Ionescu

F: Leonie Fiebich/Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (One of these two would come off the bench)

F: Breanna Stewart

C: Jonquel Jones

Reserves: Marine Johannes, Nyara Sabally, Isabelle Harrison

Either route that the Liberty take, having Cloud on the team only adds to their potential. In each scenario, they could literally trot out the Eastern Conference All-Star team. That’s how good and deep this team is.

With Cloud in the fold, the Liberty have even more versatility on their roster. Whether it’s Cloud coming off the bench as a Sixth Woman of the Year candidate or sliding into the starting five to create a defensive nightmare, the Liberty are set to be a force.

For a team who last season almost set the single-game wins record, it’s not unfathomable if they were to break it this year because they have gotten significantly better.

THE BOTTOM LINE

This trade for Natasha Cloud isn’t just a move; it’s a statement.

The New York Liberty are all in once again, and they are sending signals to the league they are willing and ready to repeat. Cloud adds an extra layer of defensive prowess, leadership, and playmaking that New York has been missing. If things go as planned, the Liberty could very well be looking at their second consecutive championship.

Whether you’re a fan of the Liberty or not, you have to admit—this team is now built to win it all.