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BREAKING: Sun Ship Morrow to Toronto in Blockbuster
Aneesah Morrow Traded to Toronto Tempo: The Simple Breakdown
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our WNBA Trade Deadline coverage, tracking all the moves reshaping the league.
The Big News: What Just Happened?
On Friday, July 31, 2026, the Connecticut Sun made a major move. They traded Aneesah Morrow to the Toronto Tempo.
Think of it like a swap at a trading card convention — but with real players and future draft picks!
The Trade Details at a Glance
| Connecticut Sun Get | Toronto Tempo Get |
|---|---|
| Rights to forward Maria Kliundikova | Forward Aneesah Morrow |
| Toronto’s 2028 second-round draft pick |
Who Is Aneesah Morrow?
Imagine a player who does a little bit of everything on the court — that’s Morrow.
- Drafted: 7th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun
- Season: This is her sophomore (second) year
- Role: Mostly coming off the bench (not a starter)
- Stats in 20 games this season:
- 11.6 points per game
- 8.9 rebounds per game
- 1.7 assists per game
ELI5 Translation: She scores about 12 points, grabs nearly 9 rebounds, and dishes out almost 2 assists every game — all in limited minutes off the bench. That’s really good for a second-year player!
Why Did the Sun Make This Trade?
The Big Picture: A Franchise in Transition
The Connecticut Sun are in a weird spot right now. Here’s why:
- This is their LAST season in Connecticut (2026)
- Next year (2027), they move to Houston and become the Houston Comets
- New owner: Tilman Fertitta (he also owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets)
- Goal: Build a winner for the fresh start in Houston
The Strategy: Rebuilding Mode
Because they’re packing up and moving, the Sun’s front office wants to:
- Collect young talent and draft picks
- Clear space for new pieces in Houston
- Avoid overlapping positions (too many players who do the same thing)
IMPORTANT POINT: The Sun recently said "no thanks" to a first-round pick from Toronto for Aaliyah Edwards. That tells you they have a specific plan — and Morrow was part of the trade chips they were willing to move.
What the Sun Got Back
1. Maria Kliundikova’s Rights
- She’s a forward currently playing overseas
- "Rights" means the Sun control her WNBA contract if she comes to the league
- Adds future flexibility — like holding a rain check for a player
2. 2028 Second-Round Draft Pick
- An extra lottery ticket in the 2028 draft
- Second-round picks can be hidden gems (think: A’ja Wilson was 1st round, but lots of stars come later!)
Morrow’s Contract Situation
Here’s the timeline for Morrow’s deal:
| Season | Status |
|---|---|
| 2026 (current) | Under contract |
| 2027 | Under contract |
| 2028 | Team option (Sun/Tempo decide if they keep her) |
| 2029 | Restricted Free Agent (can sign elsewhere, but Tempo can match) |
ELI5 Translation: Toronto has her for two guaranteed years, can keep her for a third if they want, and in 2029 she’ll have some freedom — but Toronto gets first dibs to keep her.
Why This Makes Sense for Both Teams
For the Toronto Tempo
- Get a young, productive forward still on a rookie contract
- Morrow fills a need right now — she rebounds, scores, and plays hard
- Two years of control at a bargain price
For the Connecticut Sun
- Clear a logjam at forward (too many similar players)
- Gain assets for the Houston era (draft pick + overseas rights)
- Stay flexible for the rebuild in a new market
Summary: The TL;DR
- Aneesah Morrow (2nd-year forward, 7th pick in 2025) goes from Connecticut → Toronto
- Sun receive: Maria Kliundikova’s rights + 2028 2nd-round pick
- Context: Sun are leaving Connecticut after 2026, becoming Houston Comets (owned by Tilman Fertitta)
- Strategy: Sun are rebuilding for the move, collecting picks and young talent
- Morrow’s deal: 2 years left + team option for 2028 → RFA in 2029
- Sun also passed on a 1st-round pick for Aaliyah Edwards — showing a clear plan
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Why would the Sun trade a player putting up ~12 and 9 off the bench?
A: Great question! It’s not about her talent — it’s about fit and timeline. The Sun have multiple forwards, they’re moving cities in one year, and they need draft capital (picks) more than a player who might want a bigger role (and bigger payday) soon. They’re playing the long game for Houston.
Q: What does "rights to Maria Kliundikova" actually mean?
A: Think of it like a dibs card. Kliundikova plays overseas right now. If she ever wants to play in the WNBA, the Sun (now Tempo? No — the Sun keep her rights) hold her contract rights. It’s an asset they can trade later or use if she comes over.
Q: Is a second-round pick even valuable?
A: Absolutely! While first-rounders get the hype, second-round picks have produced All-Stars and starters. Plus, draft picks are currency — you can trade them later for veterans or package them to move up. It’s a free lottery ticket.
Q: When do the Sun officially become the Houston Comets?
A: After the 2026 season ends. So they’ll play one more year in Connecticut, then pack up for Houston in 2027 under Tilman Fertitta (Rockets owner).
Q: Could Morrow end up back with the Sun/Comets someday?
A: In 2029 she’ll be a restricted free agent — meaning she could sign an offer sheet from Houston, but Toronto would have the right to match it. So Toronto controls her fate for the foreseeable future.
Stay tuned! This story will be updated as more trade deadline moves happen. The WNBA offseason is heating up!
WNBA Trade Deadline coverage is presented in partnership with State Street. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence — partners have no control over or input into our reporting.
