On Sunday, Liberty’s general manager, Jonathan Kolb, expressed his support for free agent Natasha Cloud, who is yet to sign with a team a week into the WNBA training camp.
During his annual preseason press conference, Kolb spoke highly of Cloud, describing her as both a “phenomenal teammate” and “a great human being.”
“She’s an incredible basketball player,” he added, affirming her talent within the WNBA.
Last March, the Liberty traded for Cloud, sending two first-round picks to acquire her. This move came shortly after the Mercury traded the veteran guard to the Sun, an event that facilitated Sato Sabally’s arrival in Phoenix.
At 34 years old, Cloud was considered as a potential replacement for Courtney Vandersloot, who left the Liberty for free agency. Her importance grew further when Betoniyah Rainey-Hamilton had to undergo season-ending knee surgery just weeks after the trade.
Cloud, a seasoned player with a decade of experience and a WNBA championship from 2019, played a pivotal role in leading the Liberty to a franchise-record 9-0 start. Last season, she participated in 41 games, averaging 10.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds—second in team stats.
However, the backcourt combination of Sabrina Ionescu and Cloud hasn’t been as seamless as the Liberty might have wished. Following their first-round playoff exit, Kolb indicated that the team would reevaluate Ionescu’s role and potential backcourt partners.
As free agency opened, the Liberty made headlines by signing Sabally to a two-year deal, which suggests Cloud’s return to Brooklyn might hinge on her accepting a lesser salary and a bench role.
“I want to be clear: what happened here isn’t something we consider appropriate,” Kolb noted. He elaborated on the rapid pace of free agency, suggesting the waiting process can feel prolonged when teams pursue various options.
“Tash is amazing. Look at her impact. She’s made a name for herself in New York in just her first year, both on and off the court,” he emphasized.
Kolb also took a moment to counter rumors suggesting that Cloud’s character or her activism—such as her pro-Palestinian stance—had negatively affected her standing with the team.
“One of the highlights of my role is forming connections with these players,” Kolb said. “I’m particularly proud of my relationship with Natasha. She truly embodies the values I stand for. She advocates for those unable to speak for themselves and takes significant risks to voice her beliefs.”
