As the WNBA trade deadline approaches on Sunday, discussions around a potential trade involving Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow and the New York Liberty have cooled, according to multiple sources. The Liberty had expressed interest in Morrow in the weeks leading up to the deadline but appear to be stepping back from pursuing a deal for the second-year player. Meanwhile, the expansion Toronto Tempo are considered one of the leading contenders to acquire Morrow before the deadline.

The Liberty, currently seventh in the league with a 16-12 record, are aiming to strengthen their roster as they pursue a championship run. The team seeks additional athleticism on the wing and increased frontcourt depth, especially with forward Satou Sabally sidelined indefinitely due to a concussion. Guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is regarded as the most likely trade candidate from New York’s roster. Laney-Hamilton has been involved in trade discussions throughout the season and has recently been healthy scratched in four straight games. She is expected to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

However, any midseason trade could be challenging to execute given the WNBA’s strict salary cap constraints. The Liberty reportedly have just under $130,000 in salary cap room prior to making a trade. While the team holds all its future draft picks and has multiple players who could be movable assets, historically New York has rarely made significant moves at the trade deadline despite active conversations around the league.

Morrow, the seventh overall pick in the 2025 draft, has been a solid contributor this season, averaging 11.1 points and nine rebounds in 19 games, including eight starts. She missed several games recently due to a left leg strain and personal reasons but posted a strong 21-point, four-rebound, four-assist performance in Tuesday’s loss to the Washington Mystics.

On the court Thursday night, the Liberty fell 104-99 to the Las Vegas Aces, ending their three-game winning streak. Despite missing Breanna Stewart, New York remained competitive throughout the game but ultimately could not overcome the league-leading Aces. Stewart led the Liberty with 26 points and 11 rebounds, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter alone. Guards Sabrina Ionescu and Pauline Astier contributed 15 and 19 points respectively, although Ionescu struggled in the second half.

The game’s closing moments featured a controversial call when A’ja Wilson lost possession but officials awarded the ball to the Aces. The Liberty were unable to challenge the ruling as they had already used their timeout challenge earlier. Wilson, a leading candidate for league MVP, scored 33 points for Las Vegas, with Jackie Young adding 29 and Chelsea Gray contributing 16. The Aces shot over 50 percent from the field and hit nearly 46 percent of their three-point attempts.

Liberty coach Chris DeMarco acknowledged defensive lapses, especially on the perimeter and in contesting shots, as key factors in the defeat. He emphasized the need for improved defense against a versatile Aces offense that excels both inside and beyond the arc.

Though the Liberty have lost six of their past seven games by five points or fewer, Stewart remains optimistic about the team’s progress. She highlighted the close competitiveness and the team’s ability to stay engaged throughout the entire game as signs of growth, despite the loss.

The Liberty will look to rebound in their next outing this weekend as they continue to navigate the challenges of the midseason schedule while assessing potential roster moves before the trade deadline.