What to know
- The Toronto Tempo acquired forward Aneesah Morrow from the Connecticut Sun before the WNBA trade deadline.
- Toronto relinquished a 2028 second-round pick and the rights to Maria Kliundikova in return.
- Morrow is averaging 11.6 points and 8.9 rebounds in her second WNBA season.
- Analyst Savanna Hamilton says Morrow addresses one of Toronto’s biggest weaknesses: rebounding and frontcourt depth.
The Toronto Tempo gained a new forward who could help the team get out of their July slump.
Ahead of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) trade deadline on Aug. 2, the Tempo entered into a trade with the Connecticut Sun, acquiring forward Aneesah Morrow.
In return, the Tempo gave up a 2028 second-round draft pick and the rights to Maria Kliundikova, a Russian basketballer who played for Toronto during the 2026 season thus far.
Kliundikova will play for the Connecticut Sun for the remainder of the season.
With an average of 11.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game this season, Morrow is a player that WNBA analyst Savanna Hamilton says the Tempo got for pennies.
“This is a steal of a trade. This is insane and the Tempo got [Aneesah] for pennies.”
Hamilton explains that Morrow’s strong rebound average is exactly what the Tempo needs to help address one of Toronto’s biggest weaknesses during its recent losing streak: rebounding and frontcourt depth.
“Aneesah is 23 years old. She’s around the same age as Kiki Rice. She’s only in her second year in the WNBA and she’s offering over eight rebounds a game, something the Tempo immediately needs.”
Players on the Tempo have been injured left and right all season long, especially their forwards and Hamilton says Morrow is a “solid player who’s ready to go.”
“The Tempo have been struggling with their health all season long. It’s been quite difficult for players on the team to stay healthy and a big part of it is that their forwards have been going down,” she explains.
“[Morrow’s] not going to be a temporary addition. She’s going to be a long-term piece that could grow with the team.”
The Toronto Tempo is currently 13th in the league out of 15 teams and will need to claw their way back up to eighth place for a spot in the playoffs.
They will be facing the Portland Fire Thursday night at 10 p.m.
