April 21, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET
The most puzzling storyline to come back out of 2026 WNBA free company did not have something to do with the CBA.
The indisputable fact that former New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud hasn’t been signed but is genuinely baffling. Why hasn’t one of many league’s higher level guards joined a WNBA workforce but?
We have no concrete solutions as to why Cloud, a defensive stalwart who averaged 10.1 factors and 5.1 assists per recreation final season with the Liberty, hasn’t signed a deal but. What offers? Why is she not on a roster proper now?
She just lately performed within the Unrivaled league with the Phantom, so her well being should not be a difficulty. What else might or not it’s?
One issue is that Cloud recently swapped agents, in accordance with New York Post reporter Madeline Kenney. Perhaps, with the brand new CBA amplifying how a lot cash gamers could make, Cloud did not get the deal she was in search of as a free agent and altered out brokers to safe a higher payday for what she brings on the courtroom.
Has Cloud responded to still being a free agent?
Cloud spoke to her present free company predicament, nonetheless not directly, on social media this week.
“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 on Threads this week. “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. I’m okay. Just taking things in; even if they weren’t what I expected, & trusting I’ll be alright.”
At this level, Cloud would possibly profit from ready a bit longer and seeing how the primary quarter of the 2026 WNBA season unfolds earlier than becoming a member of a franchise. As accidents bubble up and roster flaws get real-time publicity, a confirmed level guard out there in free company like Cloud will maintain extra energy on how a lot she performs for when signed.
The subject is not her play. Even at 34, she’s still a confirmed choice to run the purpose who can guard a number of the greatest gamers within the WNBA. Our greatest guess as to why she’s unsigned is salary-related. However, any workforce needing guard assist ought to take into account bringing in Cloud ASAP. It’s laborious to search out a participant of this caliber this late into free company.
What groups might she be a part of?
Our greatest guess is a workforce just like the Toronto Tempo, who might give 2026 first rounder Kiki Rice a backup position behind Cloud, or the Portland Fire, who might use all of the veteran assist they’ll get of their first season. The Phoenix Mercury traded Cloud away in 2025, however the workforce might improve its roster by bringing Cloud again.
The New York Liberty make a lot of sense, too, as Cloud simply performed there. The workforce by no means actually changed her with a participant of equal expertise, so you might see the 2 sides finally coming to a deal. Cloud returning to the Washington Mystics, the place she gained a title in 2019, is likely to be a nice match, particularly if Georgia Amoore is not fairly prepared to begin at level guard. She might additionally come off the bench for a contending workforce just like the Atlanta Dream, Golden State Vaklyries or Los Angeles Sparks. The Seattle Storm might use depth at guard, too.
Where will she land?
Our guess would be the Mystics on a one-year deal. Going again to a workforce the place she gained a title and performed most of her profession makes a lot sense, particularly when you think about the necessity for veteran management in that locker room. However, her reuniting with Sandy Brondello in Toronto would not shock us, both.
