Liberty at a Crossroads: Inside New York’s Bold Backcourt Shakeup and the GM’s Proactive Vision for Sabrina Ionescu’s Future

The New York Liberty are at a pivotal crossroads, and their front office isn’t shying away from tough decisions that could redefine the franchise’s path to a WNBA championship. In a candid series of comments and moves, Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb has made it clear: this team is no longer content to be reactive. Instead, the Liberty are embracing a proactive approach—one centered around maximizing superstar guard Sabrina Ionescu’s potential, even if it means moving on from other high-profile talent.

A GM Who Won’t Wait for Problems to Solve Themselves

For years, WNBA fans have watched teams stick with familiar lineups and hope chemistry clicks. Not so in Brooklyn. Kolb’s recent statements and actions signal a new era for the Liberty—one where fit and forward-thinking trump reputation and sentimentality.

Critics have questioned some of Kolb’s moves, suggesting he may have “jumped the gun” or made lateral roster swaps. But for Liberty fans, there’s a refreshing honesty in his willingness to admit when things aren’t working. “It’s about being proactive rather than reactive,” Kolb said. “We’re always evaluating what is the best backcourt partner for Sabrina and how we’re planning to use her going forward.”

That approach is exactly what the Liberty need as they look to take the next step in a league where standing still means falling behind.

The Natasha Cloud Conundrum: Good Player, Bad Fit

One of the most debated moves was bringing in Natasha Cloud—a respected veteran, a vocal leader, and, according to the WNBA players’ own vote, the fourth-best guard in the league. But despite Cloud’s credentials and playoff experience, the partnership with Ionescu simply didn’t click.

Cloud averaged a respectable 10 points per game, but her impact in elimination moments left questions—just seven points in the Liberty’s season-ending loss, and zero in the fourth quarter. The numbers don’t lie, but neither does the eye test: Sabrina Ionescu had her lowest quality looks of her career, struggling to get open shots and rhythm alongside Cloud.

Kolb didn’t mince words. “I don’t know that we got Sabrina a lot of clean looks this year from three,” he admitted. “We really need to solve the off-ball production opportunities with Tash in ways that are conducive to creating success for Sabrina.”

The verdict is clear: Cloud is a good player, but the pairing didn’t elevate Ionescu—or the Liberty. And in a league where maximizing your star’s strengths is everything, that’s the only metric that matters.

The Search for the Perfect Partner

The Liberty’s backcourt experiment with Cloud and Ionescu echoed similar failed attempts around the league. Fans and pundits have long argued that pairing a dynamic scorer with a true point guard would unlock the offense—think Steph Curry playing off the ball in Golden State’s system. But as Kolb pointed out, there’s only one Curry, one Warriors system, and one Draymond Green. Most teams can’t replicate that magic.

For Ionescu, the data and the results say something different: she’s at her best running the point herself. When healthy and given the ball, “Sabrina at the one” is the most dangerous version of the Liberty’s offense. The GM is leaning into that reality, openly discussing the need to find a backcourt partner who complements, rather than complicates, Ionescu’s game.

A Core Four—and the Pieces Around Them

Despite last season’s playoff disappointment, the Liberty’s foundation remains strong. Kolb is confident in his core: Ionescu, MVP candidate Breanna Stewart (“Stewie”), All-Star center Jonquel Jones, and rising star Leonie Fiebich. Fiebich, still on her rookie deal, is seen as one of the most untouchable players on the roster—a 6’4” sniper and lockdown defender who could become the league’s best fourth option since Lindsay Whalen.

The challenge now is to surround these pillars with two-way players who bring length, athleticism, and defensive versatility. Kolb is clear: “We need length and two-way players to surround those three.” He’s not chasing stars for the sake of headlines. Instead, the Liberty are scouring overseas leagues, college prospects, and trade opportunities for the right fit—even if it means moving draft rights or bench talent to get it done.

No Room for Sentimentality—Only Contenders Need Apply

Kolb’s approach has little room for sentimentality or reputation. The Liberty aren’t interested in whether a player is outspoken, progressive, or popular on social media. It’s about one thing: “Does she make Sabrina better? Does the pairing make the Liberty closer to being contenders?”

That’s why, despite Cloud’s individual numbers and leadership, the team is prepared to move on. “If you even for a second think that the answer is no,” Kolb said about the Cloud-Ionescu partnership’s championship potential, “you just move on.”

It’s a ruthless but necessary calculus in a league where every move is scrutinized and every season is a new chance—or a wasted opportunity.

Looking Ahead: Who’s Next in the Liberty Backcourt?

With Cloud likely out, the Liberty have cap space and flexibility thanks to rookie deals and smart contracts. The search is on for a backcourt partner who can shoot, defend, and keep the floor spaced for Ionescu, Stewart, and Jones.

Top targets? Kolb and Liberty insiders are reportedly eyeing stars like Jackie Young and Kayla McBride—players who can stretch defenses and thrive off the ball. McBride, in particular, is a dream fit: a lights-out shooter and elite defender who would prevent opponents from doubling Stewart or Jones, and give Ionescu the space she needs to create.

“If I’m the Liberty, I’m giving every cent of the max to Kayla McBride,” one analyst said. “She’s the player who could unlock the offense and make every other star better.”

If McBride isn’t available, the Liberty could bring back Betnijah Laney-Hamilton on a reduced deal, or trade for another versatile guard. The front office is keeping options open, knowing that the right fit—not the biggest name—is what matters.

The Path Forward: Proactive, Relentless, and Ready to Win

As the WNBA enters another offseason of change, the Liberty stand out for their willingness to make tough decisions and put team success above individual accolades. Kolb’s proactive vision is a blueprint for building a contender—not just for next season, but for years to come.

With a core of Ionescu, Stewart, Jones, and Fiebich, and a front office unafraid to shake up the status quo, the Liberty are positioned to be a force in the league. The message is clear: this is Sabrina’s team, and every move will be judged by how it helps her—and the franchise—win.

For fans in Brooklyn and beyond, it’s a new era of Liberty basketball. The only question now is: who will join the ride, and who will be left behind?