In a WNBA free agency defined by historic contracts and team-building, one former champion is finding the market unexpectedly cold. Lucrative deals and a place in a top-tier championship squad have been the major headlines in this offseason, right after a new and historic CBA deal got done. But beyond all these heartwarming stories, something else has prompted the fans to have a serious discussion.
Natasha Cloud, a former player for the New York Liberty, hasn’t received any offers from a team yet. The 2019 WNBA champion recently expressed her emotions on facing this situation, remarking that she isn’t bogged down.
“I’ve given my heart to every team and community I’ve been part of, never fully knowing if the impact I hoped for was truly felt,” Cloud wrote. “In this moment, though, receiving so much love, support, and advocacy means everything. It’s a powerful reminder that the impact I’ve wanted to make beyond the court is real — and aligned with what I believe God has called me to do through this game.”
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Having played for the New York Liberty last year, Natasha Cloud entered the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. While her former team was busy keeping its Big Three (Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones) and signing Satou Sabally, it didn’t show any signs of bringing Cloud back to the helm in the 2026 season either.
Yet despite that, the 34-year-old was supposed to be one of the hottest prospects to rebuild amid this frenzied free agency after a new CBA, and an experienced player like Cloud was expected to get her due as a guard in the circuit, and could fit seamlessly as a starter and role player.
It was further boosted by the fact that almost all the teams were looking to rebuild, and the majority of players were seeking new teams amid this frenzied free agency after a new CBA, and an experienced player like Cloud was expected to get her due from one of the teams in the league.
But nearly two weeks into free agency, Cloud hasn’t got a contract yet from a WNBA team. It’s quite surprising, considering she has averaged over 10 points in all three of the last seasons, and has prompted the fans to showcase their ball knowledge on social media about the possible teams that should bring in Cloud.
Big Options, Bigger Questions for Natasha Cloud
“@torontotempo with Izzy!!!!! 
,” a fan wrote.
Additionally, signing a veteran like Cloud will, of course, take a toll on this $1.7M. Furthermore, the team also needs to fill many more available roster spots, which can become difficult if Cloud’s move comes with a high salary.
“@washmystics what are we doing,” commented another.
A possible move to the Washington Mystics would have been a homecoming for Natasha Cloud, and it will be immensely emotional for her, considering the experience she has had playing with the team. Furthermore, according to Spotrac, the Mystics also have over $3M in salary cap space of the $7M after allocations, reaffirming that the franchise can quite conveniently afford Cloud’s homecoming.
But the issue with this move is that things didn’t end well between the Mystics and Cloud last time. In fact, in a press conference after she joined the Phoenix Mercury, she confirmed that the Mystics have moved on from her. “To give eight years to an organization and to be fired on an off-day is kinda crazy, coming off a vacation too, so that was not fun,” she had added further. Thus, a move back to the Mystics seems unlikely because of this history.
“@atlantadream Make the phone call…..” opined another.
The Atlanta Dream is an interesting option. They have formidable backcourt starters in Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. But the team needs to add a bit of depth to its roster, and it also reflects on the players it has signed for training camp. Most of them are backcourt players.
Amid this situation, the Dream can make a possible out-of-the-box move and bring in Natasha Cloud for the upcoming season. They have just $1M in salary cap after the roster allocations so far, which can be a bit of a caveat in this regard.
“@portlandfirewnba we need here and everything she brings!!
” chimed in another.
As for her skill set, Cloud is second to none. With reliable physicality, she’s quite a formidable two-way player. She defends pretty well in the perimeter for her. while also contributing equally near the opposition rim, averaging 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in her career. Thus, with such experience and a record, Cloud can be a valuable addition to an expansion team like Portland Fire.
The team does have seasoned players like Bridget Carleton, but the 10 years of experience is an area Fire can aim for. Furthermore, the team has nearly $2.7M in salary cap space after their allocations, making the signing even more convincing for the Fire.
“Bring her to LA!!! We need some of that magic!!!” summed up another.
On paper, it looks like a feasible option, but the question remains whether the LA Sparks need another backcourt player. The Sparks have already re-signed Kelsey Plum, while also bringing in Ariel Atkins to solidify that perimeter space. Having Natasha Cloud, of course, does have its own benefits, given the varied experience she brings to the table.
But with so many veterans already on the roster with Plum, Nneka Ogwumike, and Dearica Hamby, the Sparks will most likely not consider signing another, especially given the team has a lot of available players to choose from in their roster ahead of the practice session, even if they have nearly $1.4M in salary cap left besides signing their confirmed players for their main roster.
All in all, options still remain open for Natasha Cloud ahead of the season tipoff in a few weeks. The only thing that worries her is which team will make the first move in signing her. Which team are you looking to see Cloud playing for in the 2026 WNBA season? Do let us know in the comments.
