Indiana Fever have signed Aari McDonald via emergency hardship exception.
In a strategic move to bolster their backcourt amid a series of injuries, the Indiana Fever have signed guard Aari McDonald to a hardship contract. This decision comes as the team faces a depleted roster due to injuries to key players.
The Fever have been grappling with significant injuries that have left them with only nine active players eligible for game participation. Star guard Caitlin Clark is sidelined with a left quadriceps strain, veteran Sydney Colson is dealing with an upper leg injury, and Sophie Cunningham is out with an ankle sprain. With the team falling below the league’s minimum requirement of 10 active players, they were granted the opportunity to sign a player under the WNBA’s emergency hardship exception.
Aari McDonald, a 5-foot-6 guard, was selected third overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream. Over her four-year career, she has demonstrated her capabilities as a reliable point guard. McDonald has averaged 8.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game across 116 appearances, including 29 starts. Notably, she was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2021 and has shown consistent improvement in her playmaking and scoring abilities.
In the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Sparks, McDonald posted a career-high 3.7 assists per game and contributed 8.7 points per game. Her performance included a standout game where she recorded 10 assists and her first career double-double. Despite her strengths, McDonald was waived by the Sparks in May 2025, making her available for the Fever’s current needs.
With Clark and Colson both out, the Fever’s backcourt depth was severely compromised. Head coach Stephanie White emphasized the necessity of adding a player who could contribute both defensively and offensively. McDonald’s experience and skill set align with these requirements, providing the team with a seasoned ball-handler capable of initiating offense and maintaining defensive pressure.
The Fever, currently holding a 2-4 record, are set to face the Washington Mystics in their upcoming game. The addition of McDonald is expected to provide immediate relief and bolster the team’s performance as they navigate through this challenging period.
