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Indiana Fever Release Fan-Favorite Player Before Caitlin Clark's Return

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 3:26 PM ET

For the first time since May 24, All-Star guard Caitlin Clark is expected to be available for the Indiana Fever.

Clark has been sidelined with a quad strain for the past few weeks. The Fever have gone 2-3 without her in the lineup. Following their blowout win over the Chicago Sky on June 7, they re-evaluated their former No. 1 pick. Clearly, they were satisfied with the results.

On Friday afternoon, Fever coach Stephanie White announced that Clark should be good to go for Saturday's game against the New York Liberty.

"I felt like today was better than yesterday in terms of just, you know, movement and balance and feeling like she's getting back into rhythm, timing, all of those things," White said. "And, you know, as long as we don't have any regression, she's gonna be ready to roll."

In order to make room for Clark, the Fever waived veteran guard Aari McDonald from their roster.

"To meet the 10-player roster minimum and WNBA emergency hardship exception requirements, we have waived guard Aari McDonald," the Fever said. "Thank you, Aari."

Indiana fans wasted no time criticizing the front office for parting ways with McDonald.

"I'm heartbroken," one fan said.

"Big mistake," another fan declared.

McDonald has filled in admirably for Clark over the past few games, averaging 11.0 points and 3.0 assists per contest.

Of course, Clark's return should ease any concerns about losing McDonald. Prior to getting hurt on May 24, she was averaging 19.0 points and 9.3 assists per game.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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