The Chicago Sky recently signed Natasha Cloud for a one-year deal worth $550,000. This move comes after the team let go of Hailey Van Lith, their 2025 draft pick, who struggled to make an impact during her rookie season.
Cloud, who plays as a guard, has a strong track record. She won a WNBA championship with the Washington Mystics in 2019 and has been named to the All-Defensive Team three times. However, she spent most of the offseason without a contract after playing 41 games for the New York Liberty last year.
The Sky faced a tough season last year after losing veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot to an ACL injury early in the season. This year, general manager Jeff Pagliocca is strengthening the roster by signing seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins and trading for Jacy Sheldon, while also bringing back Rachel Banham and Vandersloot. Now, the big question is who will lead as the starting point guard.
Cloud has been a consistent starter, but she’s not known for her three-point shooting, hitting just 33.8% last season. This raises questions about how well she will mesh with other players like Diggins, who can also play off the ball.
In addition to the point guard dilemma, the team is dealing with injuries. Azura Stevens is expected to return early in the season from a knee issue, while DiJonai Carrington is recovering from foot surgery. Their potential starting lineup might include Cloud, Diggins, Sheldon, Rickea Jackson, and Kamilla Cardoso.
Pagliocca praised Cloud, saying, “Natasha is one of the best passers and defenders in our league. She fits in with the other proven winners on our roster.” However, Cloud’s late signing raised eyebrows. Some speculated that her activism might have impacted her marketability, a concern backed by rumors circulating on social media. Nevertheless, sources suggested multiple teams were interested in her, and she had discussions with several before choosing the Sky.
Meanwhile, Van Lith’s release was based on her not standing out during her rookie year. While her potential was recognized, her place on the roster wasn’t secure, especially considering the Sky already traded draft picks to protect their roster in the expansion draft.
Training camp has shown promise for the Sky as guards like Sydney Taylor and Aicha Coulibaly have impressed. Taylor went undrafted but found opportunities overseas, while the Sky picked Coulibaly in the 2025 draft.
Van Lith showed flashes of talent during preseason games but will first need to clear waivers before any team can add her. With 11 of their 12 roster spots filled, Chicago will soon have to make tough decisions regarding their final lineup, which may come down to talent like Taylor, Coulibaly, and forward Maddy Westbeld, who was selected in this year’s draft.
For more on the evolving WNBA landscape and team dynamics, check out ESPN’s coverage.
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Chicago Sky, WNBA
