Natasha Cloud is unsigned, but the WNBA free agent still has the opportunity to make a positive impact this season

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.