Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski
In the first trade of the 2026 WNBA deadline, the Toronto Tempo announced they acquired sophomore forward Aneesah Morrow from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick and the rights to Russian forward Maria Kliundikova, bolstering their struggling frontcourt.
The Tempo’s post play has suffered due to injuries and personnel limitations this season. Nyara Sabally, Izzy Harrison and Temi Fagbenle have missed a combined 37 games. Toronto ranks 13th in rebounds per game (31.3), is tied for last in rebounding percentage (47.2), and 14th in average points in the paint (35). Meanwhile, Morrow averages 8.9 rebounds per game and led the league in defensive rebounding rate (31.9%) last year during her rookie season, per a Tempo statement.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Aneesah to our organization,” said Tempo General Manager Monica Wright 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.”
In addition to her rebounding numbers — which would lead the Tempo ahead of Harrison’s 6.4 per game — Morrow is averaging 11.6 points on 42% shooting from the field and 28% from 3. The 23-year-old has also logged 1.7 assists, one steal and 0.5 blocks over 20 games this season.
The Tempo were seeking a frontcourt player, reportedly shopping a future first-round pick for the services of a young big, but ultimately added one without giving up a prime selection in either of the upcoming drafts, which are considered to be strong classes. Toronto has had its sights set on another post player for some time, signing Washington Mystics centre Shakira Austin to an offer sheet in the offseason that was matched. Now, they’ve finally added a much-needed presence on the glass.
Kliundikova was selected by the Tempo in the expansion draft but apparently didn’t report to the WNBA this season.
Toronto has struggled lately, losing nine of its last 10 games and dropping to 10-18, 5.5 games back of the eighth and final playoff spot. It most recently suffered a 104-72 loss to the league-leading Minnesota Lynx on Friday that head coach Sandy Brondello called “embarrassing.”