
In a strategic move to bolster their roster amid a wave of injuries, the Indiana Fever announced on June 2, 2025, the signing of guard Aari McDonald through the WNBA’s emergency hardship exception. The announcement, shared via the team’s official social media, welcomed McDonald to Indianapolis as the Fever aim to stabilize their backcourt and remain competitive in a challenging season. This signing comes at a critical juncture for the franchise, which has been plagued by injuries to key guards, leaving them with limited options as they prepare to face the Washington Mystics on Tuesday.
The Fever’s roster took a significant hit recently, with star guard Caitlin Clark sidelined until at least June 9 due to a quadriceps strain. Additionally, injuries to Sydney Colson (upper leg) and Sophie Cunningham (ankle sprain) during Friday’s loss to the Connecticut Sun left the team with only eight healthy players, well below the WNBA’s 10-player threshold for game eligibility. This triggered the emergency hardship exception, allowing Indiana to sign McDonald with immediate effect to provide much-needed depth and stability.
Aari McDonald, a former No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, brings a wealth of experience to the Fever. Having played three seasons with the Atlanta Dream and one with the Los Angeles Sparks, McDonald has appeared in 116 WNBA games, averaging 8.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game. While her offensive game has yet to fully translate from her standout college career at Arizona—where she averaged 19.1 points per game—she has established herself as a tenacious perimeter defender and a capable ball-handler. Her quickness and ability to push the pace in transition make her a valuable addition to a Fever squad in desperate need of backcourt support.
The signing is a temporary measure, as hardship contracts require the release of the signee once the injured players return. However, McDonald’s skill set aligns with head coach Stephanie White’s immediate needs. With only Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull as healthy guards, McDonald’s role will likely include providing defensive intensity and facilitating the offense until Clark, Colson, and Cunningham recover. Coach White emphasized the importance of finding a player who can restore balance to the lineup, and McDonald’s experience as a pure point guard makes her an ideal fit.
McDonald’s journey to Indianapolis adds intrigue, given her history against the Fever. A viral clip shared on X captured her defending Caitlin Clark with intensity during a previous matchup, showcasing her competitive edge. Fans and analysts alike see her as a spark plug who can help Indiana navigate this challenging period. As the Fever face the Mystics and prepare for a matchup against the Chicago Sky on Saturday, McDonald’s presence offers hope for a team looking to reverse a three-game losing streak and regain momentum.
The Fever’s resilience is being tested early in the 2025 season, but McDonald’s signing signals their commitment to staying competitive. With her defensive prowess and playmaking ability, Aari McDonald is poised to make an immediate impact in Indy.