First WNBA midseason trade is a big win for Toronto Tempo

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 30: Aneesah Morrow #24 of the Connecticut Sun shoots the ball during the second half against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena on July 30, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Toronto Tempo have traded the rights to Maria Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round pick to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for forward Aneesah Morrow, bolstering their frontcourt just a few days before the midseason trade deadline.

Morrow has averaged 11.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting 42.1% from the field and 28.4% from three. She has recorded 9 double-doubles, tied for the 8th-most in the league. She is fresh off back-to-back 21-point performances against the Washington Mystics and Toronto Tempo.

Tempo general manager Monica Wright Rogers praised the trade in the official press release.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Aneesah to our organization,” said Rogers. “She’s a relentless competitor who impacts the game in so many ways, particularly with her ability to rebound at a high level. We believe she’s one of the emerging frontcourt talents in this league, and we’re excited to see her play in a Tempo uniform.”

Morrow was drafted 7th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and quickly established herself as one of the league’s top rebounders. In an official press release, Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti thanked Morrow for her time in Connecticut.

“We are incredibly grateful for the time Aneesah spent with the Connecticut Sun and for the professionalism, commitment, and buy-in she showed from the moment we drafted her,” she said. “She embraced our vision, was a tremendous ambassador for our franchise both on and off the court, and built meaningful relationships with our fans, her teammates, and staff. We wish Aneesah nothing but continued success in the next chapter of her career.”

Maria Kliundikova, meanwhile, was drafted 11th overall in 2018, and last played in the WNBA last season, suiting up for the Minnesota Lynx and averaging 4.4 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes per game.

What Aneesah Morrow brings to the Toronto Tempo

The move is a big-time win for the Tempo, who are 10-18 and have struggled with frontcourt availability. Isabella Harrison has appeared in just 16 games, and Nyara Sabally in 19. Right away, Morrow brings young blood — she’s just 23 years old — to the WNBA’s expansion franchise.

Morrow has been pretty durable; she appeared in 41 games in her rookie season, and in 20 (of 29 games) so far this season in Connecticut.

Morrow will also provide a boost on the glass; as it currently stands, the Tempo average 31.1 rebounds per game, the third-fewest in the league. She averaged 13.8 rebounds per 36 minutes, the second-most in the league, trailing only Atlanta Dream forward Madina Okot. And, in her rookie season, she led the league in defensive rebounding rate last year (31.9%).

So, she’ll immediately impact one of the Tempo’s biggest weaknesses.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →