Aari McDonald may have been waived by the Indiana Fever — but if there’s any justice in the basketball universe, her phone needs to light up with a 317 area code in the next ten days. Because if we’re being honest: Indiana might need her back, and soon.

The decision to waive McDonald came as a surprise to many fans. The 2021 third-overall pick, known for her elite speed and on-ball defense, had only just begun showing flashes of rhythm with the Fever. But with Sophie Cunningham cleared to return and roster spots limited, Aari was the odd one out — a brutal reality of the WNBA’s 12-team, 144-player structure.

But here’s the twist: Indiana might not be done with her.

With the season grinding on, injuries always lurking, and the bench rotation still in flux, the Fever could easily find themselves in need of exactly what McDonald offers: quickness, pressure defense, and an instant spark off the bench. And WNBA contracts? They’re flexible. A 7-day deal. A hardship contract. Another roster shuffle. It only takes one moment, one matchup, one opportunity.

And when that happens, McDonald should be at the top of the call-back list.

The Case for the Call

Let’s look at the facts:

McDonald is one of the few guards in the league who can pick up full-court and actually change tempo defensively.

Her energy fits perfectly alongside a fast-paced, transition-heavy style — exactly what Caitlin Clark thrives in.

She’s a proven competitor. Final Four experience. WNBA playoff minutes. Not easily rattled.

Plus, she handled the waiver with total professionalism — a trait not always visible, but always respected by coaches and execs.

The WNBA Reality Check

The problem isn’t Aari McDonald. It’s the math. The WNBA’s limited roster spots make even great players expendable due to timing, injuries, or simple cap constraints. But the good news? Things change fast. All it takes is one injury, one rough road trip, one defensive breakdown — and suddenly, you need a guard who can lock in, lock up, and not miss a beat.

So if Indiana finds itself needing more guard depth…
If the rotations aren’t clicking…
If foul trouble or fatigue creeps in…

📞 Please let that caller ID read “Indiana.”

McDonald’s ready. And she deserves the call.