As April’s WNBA free agency wrapped up, questions grew about Natasha Cloud’s situation: Why hadn’t she been signed? Weeks after joining the Chicago Sky, the guard still doesn’t understand why she was the last free agent signed this spring.

Cloud is confident in her abilities. She averaged 10.1 points and 5.1 assists for a successful New York Liberty team last year. She led the league in assists in 2022 and earned a championship ring in 2019. Over seven seasons, she was named to three All-Defensive teams. Though she turned 34 in February, Cloud believes she’s still in her prime. Nonetheless, offers were scarce.

The Sky’s offer of a one-year, $555,000 deal came shortly before the season began, providing Cloud a vital opportunity. It made sense for Chicago to have her as a facilitator while revamping their system. Yet, the process left Cloud feeling like an outsider. ‘I just have extra fuel behind me this year,’ Cloud told the Tribune. ‘This is the place that I feel like is ready to pour gasoline on that — in the best way.’

Initially, Cloud’s absence in free agency seemed influenced by a rushed negotiation period. But speculation grew that off-court concerns were factors. Fellow WNBA players fueled these rumors. A Front Office Sports report indicated social media rumors claiming she was being blackballed for her activism were denied by league sources. However, Cloud’s longtime girlfriend, Isabelle Harrison, contradicted this statement, leading to more speculation.

During a Twitch livestream, Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman discussed that Cloud’s situation wasn’t about her basketball skills. Speculation focused on Cloud’s critiques of the league and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Cloud has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian liberation and other causes, which some believe contributed to her free agency woes.

No team or agent explicitly cited concerns about her activism. Cloud addressed how speaking her mind aligns with her morals, saying, ‘I am a Christian, so that’s what I stand on, and I won’t shy away from it.’ She acknowledged only certain organizations fit players with strong principles.

Cloud remains confused about the lack of offers from the Liberty. She understood their focus on high-profile players like Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart, but received no explanation for their decision.

Free agency this year spanned only 13 days, driven by the CBA negotiations. Teams faced pressure under the new salary cap, affecting veteran players’ prospects. Cloud’s agency compounded her challenges by dropping her early in the free agency period.

Despite anger and fear of missing a chance to play, Cloud refrained from speaking out, knowing her skills would prove her worth. The Sky initially didn’t consider her due to their point guard lineup but later reassessed as they sought balance in facilitating the ball.

Coach Tyler Marsh described acquiring Cloud as a clear priority once she remained available during training camp. ‘Everyone knows who Natasha Cloud is as a player,’ Marsh stated, praising her passion for the game and teammates.

Cloud recalled laughing during her first call with Chicago’s general manager, Jeff Pagliocca. His intense negotiation style impressed her about the team’s ambitions. ‘These dudes — they really got some dogs in them,’ she said, emphasizing her excitement for the team’s commitment.

Now, Cloud must determine her role in Chicago. In her first games with the Sky, she averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 assists, with evolving responsibilities as other players return from injuries. Off-court, Cloud remains steadfast in her activism. She believes her purpose extends beyond basketball, committed to supporting causes she values.