The Toronto Tempo constructed an ambitious roster in their inaugural season. Acquiring talents such as Marina Mabrey. Brittney Sykes and Temi Fagbenle suggested the franchise wasn't here to simply make up the numbers. However, injuries derailed any early-season momentum, and now they are in position to land a top pick in the 2027 draft. If so, their vision must be to build a talented young core for the future.
Leaving offseason plans in Lady Luck's hands seems questionable approach, but in Toronto's case, it makes a lot of sense. Mabrey and Sykes are in the building for at least another season. If the Draft Lottery doesn't go in the Tempo's favor, the front office can continue to stack the roster with proven talent.
However, if the franchise is awarded a top-three pick, it should change the offseason blueprint completely. There is a lot of talent up for grabs in 2027, and realistically, the Tempo are light-years away from competing with teams like the Golden State Valkyries or the Atlanta Dream. While it would be fun to add more offensive weapons around Mabrey, a more patient approach makes sense if they can land a young superstar.
Mabrey and Sykes will not be short of suitors
Landing an era-defining star such as JuJu Watkins or Hannah Hidalgo would be a phenomenal stroke of luck, but one player doesn't change a franchise's future. This must be the catalyst for a rebuild. To make this happen, the Tempo must trade valuable assets and accrue either draft capital or younger prospects. Mabrey and Sykes would undoubtedly be casualties of this approach.
Both Mabrey and Sykes signed two-year max contracts when landing in Toronto. Before both suffered season-ending injuries, the Tempo's dynamic duo proved they were worth the mouthwatering pay packets.
Before a foot injury ruled her out for the season, Sykes was at her electric best. The 32-year-old averaged 18.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Mabrey was just as devastating before a hip problem ended her campaign, recording a career-high 20.8 points per game, shooting 38.5 percent from deep.
While absorbing a max contract would be a risk for any franchise, a trade would be a no-brainer for a team with genuine championship ambitions. The two stars only have one year remaining on their current contracts. This would allow their new employers to pivot quickly if the new relationship wasn't working out.
Would a potential team be willing to offer significant draft capital trading for Mabrey or Sykes' contract? Only if it were the final piece in the championship jigsaw. However, this won't even be a problem if Toronto doesn't land a top-three pick. If the WNBA Draft Lottery treats the Tempo nicely, the franchise has an exciting future in store.
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