The Indiana Fever just made a decision that took many by surprise. Caitlin Clark’s return forced head coach Stephanie White and general manager Amber Cox to readjust their roster, releasing emerging player Aari McDonald, who had arrived just a few weeks earlier.
Injuries to Clark (quadriceps) and Sophie Cunningham (ankle) had put the Fever in a bind. Required by the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement to maintain a minimum of 10 active players, the front office tapped into the free agent market and signed McDonald.
The former Sparks guard joined Indiana on a hardship contract-eligible only while the team was short-handed. Now that both Clark and Cunningham are cleared to return, McDonald’s contract has ended, though the Fever could potentially bring her back in the coming weeks.
McDonald made an instant impact
The third overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, McDonald seamlessly fit into the Fever’s system, averaging 11 points, three assists, and two steals per game. She was instrumental in Indiana’s wins over the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky.
Despite her strong showing, the team announced Friday that both Clark and Cunningham will suit up Saturday against the New York Liberty. While the move is tough for McDonald, there’s still hope she could return on a more permanent deal soon.
In July, the WNBA allows teams to restructure rosters. With available cap space and McDonald’s clear chemistry with the team, Indiana may well offer her another chance.
Staying ready
Speaking with Yahoo Sports’ Cassandra Negley, the 5-foot-6 guard reflected on her time away from the court: “It felt weird every day waking up not being in the gym or just being around my teammates.” Still, she’s staying positive. “My approach is, stay ready. You never know when you’ll get the call.”
Leaving the Fever is surely a setback-but McDonald’s skill set makes her a strong candidate to return, either via another hardship deal or to replace international players leaving for EuroBasket.
With her drive and attitude, it’s only a matter of time before Aari McDonald is back on the court where she belongs.
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