Chicago Sky Make Bold Move with Natasha Cloud Signing and Hailey Van Lith Waiver
The Chicago Sky have taken a decisive step toward reshaping their roster by signing veteran guard Natasha Cloud and parting ways with young prospect Hailey Van Lith. This move signals a clear shift in strategy as the franchise looks to bounce back from a disappointing season and build a more competitive lineup.
Chicago secured Cloud on a one-year deal worth $555,000, adding leadership, defensive grit, and elite playmaking to their backcourt. At the same time, the organization waived Van Lith, their 2025 first-round pick, citing a mismatch in playing style.
Natasha Cloud Brings Experience and Leadership
Cloud arrives in Chicago as one of the most respected guards in the WNBA. With 10 years of experience, she has built a reputation as a high-IQ playmaker and relentless defender.
Last season with the New York Liberty, Cloud delivered consistent performances:
Natasha Cloud 2025 Season Stats
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 10.1 |
| Rebounds | 3.7 |
| Assists | 5.1 |
| Steals | 1.2 |
She played 41 games and proved her value as a steady floor general. Chicago’s front office believes her skill set aligns perfectly with their vision.
General manager Jeff Pagliocca emphasized her importance, highlighting her passing ability and defensive intensity as key assets for the team’s rebuild.
Why Chicago Sky Targeted Cloud
Cloud’s addition is not just about numbers—it’s about identity. The Sky are looking to establish a disciplined, defense-first approach while improving offensive organization.
Key Reasons Behind the Signing:
- Elite Playmaking: Cloud excels at controlling tempo and creating scoring opportunities.
- Defensive Toughness: Known as one of the league’s most disruptive guards.
- Veteran Leadership: Brings championship-level experience and composure.
- True Point Guard Role: Helps structure an offense that struggled last season.
Her ability to run the offense makes her a natural fit for a team seeking stability in the backcourt.
Hailey Van Lith Waived Despite Potential
In contrast, Chicago’s decision to waive Hailey Van Lith reflects a strategic pivot rather than a lack of talent.
Van Lith, drafted 11th overall in 2025, showed flashes of promise during her rookie campaign. She averaged:
- 3.5 points per game
- 12.4 minutes per game
- 29 games played
However, her season was disrupted by an ankle injury, limiting her consistency and development.
Despite returning to full fitness after offseason rehabilitation, the coaching staff determined that her style did not align with their system.
Van Lith Still Attracting League Interest
Even after being waived, Van Lith remains a highly intriguing prospect. Multiple teams across the WNBA are reportedly monitoring her situation closely.
Her standout preseason performance—scoring 20 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting against the Phoenix Mercury—demonstrated her scoring potential.
Why Teams Are Interested in Van Lith:
- Strong scoring instincts
- Proven college pedigree
- High work ethic and competitiveness
- Fully recovered from injury
If she clears waivers, she could quickly find a new home where her skill set fits better.
Chicago Sky’s Ongoing Roster Overhaul
This move is part of a broader transformation within the franchise. The Sky are actively reshaping their roster after finishing with a disappointing 10–34 record last season.
One of the most notable changes came when Chicago traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream earlier this year.
Recent Chicago Sky Moves:
- Signed Natasha Cloud
- Waived Hailey Van Lith
- Waived Latasha Lattimore
- Waived Tonie Morgan
- Traded Angel Reese
These decisions highlight a clear commitment to rebuilding around a new core identity.
How Natasha Cloud Fits Into the System
Cloud is expected to play a central role in Chicago’s new structure. Unlike score-first guards, she thrives when orchestrating plays and setting up teammates.
Her presence could unlock better performances from surrounding players by:
- Improving ball movement
- Reducing turnovers
- Creating efficient scoring opportunities
- Anchoring perimeter defense
The Sky are betting that a traditional point guard like Cloud can stabilize a team that struggled with consistency.
Backcourt Strategy and League Context
The decision by the Liberty not to re-sign Cloud also played a role in her availability. According to Jonathan Kolb, the team needed a different backcourt structure around Sabrina Ionescu.
This opened the door for Chicago to secure a proven leader at a critical position.
What This Means for the 2026 Season
With final WNBA rosters approaching, Chicago now has 14 players and two development spots available. The team is still evaluating options, including the possibility of re-signing Van Lith if she clears waivers.
Key Questions Moving Forward:
- Can Cloud elevate Chicago’s offense?
- Will the roster overhaul deliver better results?
- Where will Van Lith land next?
- How quickly can the team build chemistry?
The answers will define the Sky’s trajectory in the upcoming season.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago Sky signed Natasha Cloud on a one-year deal.
- Hailey Van Lith was waived due to system fit concerns.
- Cloud brings elite playmaking and defensive strength.
- Van Lith remains a strong prospect with league interest.
- The move is part of a larger roster rebuild.
Conclusion
The Chicago Sky are clearly not standing still. By bringing in Natasha Cloud and moving on from Hailey Van Lith, the franchise is prioritizing experience, structure, and defensive identity.
While the decision may seem tough, it reflects a bigger picture strategy aimed at long-term success. Cloud’s leadership could be the missing piece that helps Chicago rediscover its competitive edge.
At the same time, Van Lith’s journey is far from over. Her talent ensures she will remain a name to watch as the WNBA season unfolds.
