The Indiana Fever find themselves in a dilemma with the recent success of Aari McDonald. McDonald, a former guard for the LA Sparks, was signed to a hardship contract by the Fever and has helped the team to a 2-0 record since joining. However, with the impending return of injured players Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, the Fever may have to make some tough decisions to keep McDonald on the roster.
Clark and Cunningham’s return would bring the total healthy players on the team to 10, which would mean the Fever would no longer qualify for the emergency hardship exception that allowed them to sign McDonald. According to WNBA rules, the team would have to release McDonald unless they are willing to cut an unprotected player to make room for her.
Here are some potential unprotected players that the Fever could consider cutting to retain Aari McDonald:
1. Makayla Timpson:
Makayla Timpson, the No. 19 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, earned the final spot on the Indiana Fever roster over Jaelyn Brown. Timpson, a rookie who has yet to see game action this season, is on a three-year $217,640 deal. McDonald’s impact and contributions to the team could make Timpson expendable if the Fever decide to keep the former Sparks guard.
2. Brianna Turner:
Brianna Turner, a veteran forward-center, is on an unprotected contract worth $85,000 this season. Turner has seen limited playing time, averaging 0.6 points and 1.0 rebounds in 5.4 minutes per game. McDonald’s energy and defense could make Turner a potential casualty if the Fever opt to keep McDonald on the roster.
3. Sophie Cunningham:
Sophie Cunningham, on a one-year $100,000 deal with the Fever, has been sidelined with an ankle injury. Known for her defense, hustle, and outside shooting, Cunningham’s 36.4% efficiency from deep could make her a tough cut for the team. However, McDonald’s playmaking abilities could make her a valuable asset that the Fever might not want to part with.
4. Sydney Colson:
Sydney Colson, on a one-year $90,000 unprotected contract, has competition for her backup point guard role from Aari McDonald. McDonald’s impressive performance in her first game with the Fever overshadowed Colson’s contributions, leading to speculation that Colson’s spot on the roster could be in jeopardy.
Ultimately, the Fever will have to weigh the potential impact of Aari McDonald against the value of their unprotected players to make a decision on who to cut to retain McDonald on the team. McDonald’s numbers and impact in the two games she has played may sway the team in her favor, but the final decision remains to be seen.
