New York Liberty Newcomer Natasha Cloud Embraces Role With WNBA Champions

The New York Liberty are preparing to build on their WNBA championship from last year by remaining busy this offseason. Among their moves is the acquisition of Natasha Cloud from the Phoenix Mercury.

Cloud was one of the league's bigger stars to get moved, and according to reports. she is already settling in well with her new team.

While speaking to reporters, Cloud expressed excitement about joining the defending champ.

“It's almost refreshing," Cloud said via the New York Post. “There’s not a lot of lackadaisical, there’s no complacency. They understand that they won last year, but they understand now that the pressure is a privilege to do it again. All eyes are looking forward to how to do that.”

The Liberty have begun training camp with the regular season set to begin May 17 against the Las Vegas Aces.

"I can't wait to get ready," Cloud said via Nets Daily. "I know that I bring an energy and a tenacity that they already had here, but I intensify it. I'm gonna get into people on the defensive end. I'm gonna push pace. I'm gonna make sure I get our franchise players shots and just be that exciting factor."

Cloud has put together an impressive resume throughout her WNBA career. She spent nine seasons with the Washington Mystics, where she played a pivotal role in their 2019 championship.

She comes to the Liberty via trade (New York received a two first-round picks) after a strong season with the Mercury last year. Cloud averaged 12.5 points, 7.5 assists and 1.5 steals.

Now she has a chance to emerge as a key player on an already-loaded Liberty team. Her defensive tenacity, leadership and ability to push the tempo should be vital for a squad that hopes to go back-to-back.