Toronto Tempo Aggressive Ahead of WNBA Deadline; Kentucky Football GM Steps Down

The Toronto Tempo expansion franchise is aggressively pursuing a frontcourt star ahead of the WNBA trade deadline on August 2. According to league sources, Canada’s new expansion team has been offering a future first-round draft pick to secure a young post player to pair with its veteran backcourt. The Tempo have reportedly reached out to the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun, though recent proposals were turned down.

Toronto’s roster has been decimated by injuries to frontcourt players Isabelle Harrison, Temi Fagbenle, and Nyara Sabally. While the 10-16 team sits four games back from a playoff spot, the front office is reportedly focused on long-term assets rather than a short-term postseason push. A specific target mentioned by sources is Cameron Brink of the Sparks, though the 2024 second-overall pick has seen limited action this season following her recovery from a torn ACL.

The trade market is complicated by the WNBA's expansion rules. For the Tempo and fellow newcomers Portland Fire, draft lottery odds for the 2027 pick will be based solely on this year’s performance. Trading the 2028 pick is seen as highly risky due to the projected depth of that class, which includes UConn standout Sarah Strong. Toronto previously attempted to sign Shakira Austin to a significant offer sheet in free agency, but the Washington Mystics matched the deal to retain her.

Elsewhere in professional sports management, the University of Kentucky announced the sudden departure of football general manager Pat Biondo. Hired less than a year ago to lead Will Stein’s personnel operations, Biondo was credited with building the nation’s eighth-best transfer portal class. Kentucky officials cited Biondo’s departure as a 'personal move,' leaving the Wildcats to finalize their 2027 recruiting class without their primary personnel strategist.