Valkyries’ Move Before Fever Game Fuels Speculation

Golden State became the latest team to pass up on free agent guard Aari McDonald, who recently impressed with the Fever while Clark missed five games with a quad injury.

However, she had to be released as soon as Clark and Sophie Cunningham returned from injury and restored Indiana to the 10-player minimum. McDonald immediately became a free agent, allowed to sign with any team besides the Fever before completing a 10-day waiver period.

With the Valkyries filling out their roster, the Los Angeles Sparks signing Grace Berger to a hardship contract and no moves from the Chicago Sky — who need a point guard after Courtney Vandersloot's season-ending injury — fans are starting to think McDonald is holding out for a Fever return.

"Yeah Aari is definitely ours no way you sign Bree Hall before her," said a Fever fan on X.

"Aari is ours.. there's no way they signing Bree ahead of her," echoed another.

"Aari welcome back in a couple days," wrote one user.

"Another day passes by and Aari McDonald has stayed SOLID," said a hopeful fan on Wednesday. "4 more to go."

McDonald, 26, averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals in 25.3 minutes while helping the Fever to a 2-1 record in the three games she played. 

The initial 10-day waiting period is not the only obstacle to Indiana getting her back. Assuming there is not another injury crisis, they would have to free up one more roster spot by releasing or trading a player in order to sign McDonald.

It would not be an easy decision, but it is one the Fever could only make if another team does not snap up McDonald first. After the Valkyries' latest move, that looks more likely.