History was made in the Unrivaled League on Saturday as Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud reunited with Brittney Griner following the league’s first-ever trade. Cloud, who had been playing for the Lunar Owls, was traded to the Phantom Basketball Club (BC) in exchange for Courtney Williams, bringing her and Griner back together on the same team.
The trade marks the second time Cloud and Griner will share the court, having previously played together during a strong campaign with the Mercury.
Cloud, known for her defensive prowess, averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, earning an All-WNBA Defensive Second Team nod. Griner, meanwhile, delivered another stellar season, averaging 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, along with 1.5 blocks per game—ranking fourth in the league.
Griner also expanded her offensive range, setting a career high in three-pointers attempted and made, a skillset that will be crucial in the fast-paced 3×3 Unrivaled League. The league’s unique format, which requires immediate offensive and defensive transitions without resetting after a basket, demands high adaptability and chemistry between teammates
Building Chemistry for the Mercury’s 2025 Season
The reunion of Natasha Cloud and Brittney Griner in the Unrivaled League could have significant implications for the Phoenix Mercury’s 2025 WNBA season. Initially, Cloud, Griner, and Kahleah Copper were slated to compete on opposing teams, but the trade ensures that the Mercury’s point guard and center duo will have more opportunities to develop their on-court synergy.
However, questions remain about Griner’s future with the Mercury. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year signed a one-year contract before the 2024 season, making her an unrestricted free agent in 2025. To protect their star center, the Mercury used one of their six-player protections on her during the WNBA Expansion Draft.
As the team prepares for a transition with Diana Taurasi nearing retirement, players like Cloud and Copper are emerging as potential leaders of the Mercury’s new era. Cloud has already established herself as a vocal and emotional leader, emphasizing the team’s defensive identity and playmaking needs.
Griner, on the other hand, lets her dominant play do the talking. Despite frequent double-teams in the WNBA, her size and skill remain nearly impossible to guard. The duo’s increased chemistry in the Unrivaled League could enhance the Mercury’s half-court offense against elite defensive teams like the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty
Adjusting to the Unrivaled League
Although 3×3 basketball differs significantly from the traditional 5×5 format, Cloud and Griner’s partnership offers a significant advantage. The fast-paced, no-reset structure of the league plays to their strengths, particularly Griner’s ability to dominate in the low post and Cloud’s playmaking capabilities.
Head coach Nate Tibbetts’s spread offense may require adjustments to accommodate a half-court approach, but Griner’s presence in the post ensures a reliable option to initiate the offense against strong defenses.
Still, the duo will need time to adapt to the league’s unique rules and strategies. While their offseason reps in Phoenix have helped, the Unrivaled League’s new system poses a learning curve. Regardless, their time together on the court can only benefit the Mercury in the long term.
The Mercury’s Future
With a dynamic core of Natasha Cloud, Brittney Griner, and Kahleah Copper, the Phoenix Mercury are poised to remain competitive. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Griner’s contract, her on-court dominance and Cloud’s leadership provide a strong foundation for the team.
As the Mercury transition into a new era, their performance in the Unrivaled League could serve as a preview of what’s to come in 2025. With increased chemistry, adaptability, and a unique two-player game, Cloud and Griner could help elevate the Mercury to a step above the rest of the WNBA.