Natasha Cloud: Navigating WNBA Free Agency and Activism

As the WNBA free agency closed in April, many wondered why Natasha Cloud remained unsigned for so long. After eventually signing with the Chicago Sky, Cloud still finds herself questioning her late signing in the spring. Her performance history is strong, with an average of 10.1 points and 5.1 assists for the New York Liberty last season and a leading position in assists in 2022. She was also part of a championship team in 2019 and made three All-Defensive teams in the last seven seasons. Despite turning 34 in February, Cloud believes she is still in her physical prime. Nevertheless, contract offers did not come her way.

Eventually, the Sky offered Cloud a one-year, $555,000 deal, which felt like a lifeline for her. Cloud fit into the Sky’s need for a secondary facilitator, aligning with their plans to quickly revamp their system and culture. Yet, the late signing did not erase the lingering feelings of exclusion during free agency. “I have extra fuel behind me this year,” Cloud expressed.

Initially, a rushed negotiation period seemed to sideline Cloud. However, rumors suggest her contract delay was influenced by concerns over her off-court activism. An account cited a report claiming league sources denied Cloud faced backlash for her activism. Her girlfriend, Isabelle Harrison, called these rumors false, sparking more speculation.

Fellow WNBA players, such as Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, highlighted that Cloud’s basketball ability wasn’t the issue. They hinted that her outspoken nature might have affected her signing. Cloud criticized league policies and supported political causes, such as Palestinian liberation, which made her a polarizing figure. She received backlash for her public stances, like writing “Feed Gaza” on her sneakers and holding a sign reading “Abolish ICE” during events.

Cloud noted she never received explicit feedback linking activism to her free agency experience. “No one’s going to admit if that was the case,” she remarked. Despite this, she is determined to speak her mind, citing her Christian values as her foundation.

The absence of an offer from the Liberty puzzled Cloud, despite understanding their financial commitments to star players. “I still haven’t gotten an answer,” she said, comparing it to a relationship lacking closure.

The short 13-day free agency period, a result of ongoing CBA negotiations, created an intense job market for players. Cloud noted how constrained salary caps forced teams to make tough decisions, impacting veterans like herself. Additionally, past tensions with teams like the Connecticut Sun and Phoenix Mercury limited her options during this period. She was also dropped by her agency right before the WNBA draft, adding to the chaos.

The Chicago Sky had different initial priorities, not listing Cloud among their free-agent targets. Their focus was on signing Skylar Diggins as the starting point guard. Eventually, the need for more facilitation on the court led to Cloud’s signing. The Sky swiftly moved to sign her once they saw the benefit she would bring, particularly as Diggins and other players healed from injuries.

Cloud expressed excitement about joining the Sky after speaking with GM Jeff Pagliocca. His intense approach to negotiations and the team’s dedication impacted her decision. “They want to win,” Cloud stated. “Jeff calling me when others hesitated speaks volumes.”

Now with Chicago, Cloud is adjusting to her new role, averaging 8.3 points and 4.7 assists in her first games. Her position may change as teammates like Courtney Vandersloot recover from injuries. Despite this, Cloud remains committed to her activism. “My activism isn’t going to stop,” she affirmed, underlining her purpose beyond basketball.