Natasha Cloud’s name headlines lists of the most-prominent unsigned WNBA free agents.
Her lack of contract, however, is not the product anything sinister, with sources around the league telling The Athletic’s Annie Costabile that social media speculation that Cloud’s activism had deterred teams’ from signing her is not factual, but due to the normal dynamics of the free agency market.
While the musical chairs of WNBA free agency now includes more roster spots and money than ever, someone, still, can be left without a spot when the music stops.
In 2026, it was Cloud, a 34-year-old defense-first point guard with a shaky jump shot who, based on her decision to switch agents during the free agency period, may have had unrealistic expectations about both the role, situation and/or contract number that teams would offer her. As discussed, this first free agency go round resulted in a lack of consensus about a player’s contract value based on past or projected production, with the contracts teams presented to players indicating vastly different valuations (or negotiation skills).
On Sunday, New York Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb explained why the Liberty’s free agency approach did not accommodate the retention of Cloud, while also sharing praise for her as a person and player. On Cloud, Kolb stated:
There’s a lot out there that I’d just like to dispel. She’s an awesome human being. She’s a phenomenal basketball player. She belongs in the WNBA.
What she stands for is what I believe in, speaking up for the voiceless. There is no better body than Natasha Cloud and she puts her life on the line every single day… Tash is amazing, look what she did. She’s a NY legend in one year.
Considering how Cloud embraced joining the Liberty last season, while also expressing her appreciation for the city, it can be assumed that she would have preferred to remain with the team.
Cloud has mostly remained mum about her situation, posting a message on social media over one week ago before sharing another message on Sunday night.
According to Costabile, teams, including those anticipated to contend for the 2026 WNBA title, are interested in Cloud, with the expectation being that she will eventual find a WNBA home.
What teams could offer an opportunity to Cloud? Here are four teams where, although Cloud might not recieve the role nor money she imagined, she could make a positive impact. In the comments, share your favorite theoretical fits for Tash.
Minnesota Lynx
It’s unclear how much the Lynx intended to empower No. 2 overall pick Olivia Miles. A team with playoff expectations, even with Napheesa Collier beginning the season on the sidelines, might be interested in adding another veteran ball handler. Minnesota’s offensive system could mitigate Cloud’s lack of shooting, while her commitment to defense would fit with the culture established by head coach Cheryl Reeve.
Las Vegas Aces
Once again, the Aces have a top-heavy roster, hoping they can get just enough from their bench in order fuel their repeat run. Cloud could give them team another off-the-bench pitch, a potential contrast to the hoped-for offensive dynamism of Chennedy Carter. Like Jewell Loyd and NaLyssa Smith before her, Cloud could find her new WNBA normal with the defending champs.
Phoenix Mercury
Cloud’s single season tenure in Phoenix didn’t end well, with the point guard hinting at her displeasure with how the franchise handled their decision not to re-sign her during the 2025 offseason. Yet, Cloud wants a WNBA opportunity and the Mercury need experienced WNBA players. The offensive fit between Cloud and Alyssa Thomas is not intuitive, but it might be smart for all parties involved to try to make the best of an imperfect situation.
Dallas Wings
Both Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd have expressed appreciation for Cloud. Could she serve as the veteran presence for the Wings?
It appears general manager Curt Miller brought in both Odyssey Sims and Alysha Clark to occupy that role. However, Cloud could offer that leadership with a skillset that is more valuable to the Wings. Rather than Sims’ off-the-bench score-first offensive game, could Dallas be better served by Cloud’s pass-first approach, as well as her superior defense? Clark, likely, was prioritized for her defense. Yet, Cloud has more juice on that end, and, considering Clark’s 3-pointer abandoned her last season, she might be a more viable shooting threat.
