Why Tempo are parting ways with Lexi Held after high-scoring preseason

Lexi Held caught the attention of Toronto Tempo fans during the preseason.

Her blistering outside stroke looked like it could be a weapon when the 2026 WNBA regular season arrived.

Instead, Held hardly played for the Tempo so far, and on Thursday, she was waived.

Held averaged 1.1 points per game in eight contests for the Tempo, and now she's available to be claimed by another team, or could become a free agent.

After averaging 14.7 minutes per game in 2025 with the Phoenix Mercury, Held saw half that time in Toronto before being cut loose.

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Why did the Tempo get rid of Lexi Held?

The Tempo needed to clear a roster space for a new player.

They've signed Tima Pouye, a French guard.

The Tempo announced the signing on Thursday afternoon.

Pouye just completed play with Bourges Basket in France, where she made the league final.

Bourges Basket also played in EuroLeague this season, and in that top level of competition, Pouye averaged 14.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range and 91.2% from the foul line.

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