The Minnesota Lynx just signed a potential game-changer

Sep 7, 2026 - 20:15

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 5: Aari McDonald #2 of the Indiana Fever smiles during the game against the Los Angeles Sparks on August 5, 2025 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Minnesota Lynx have signed guard Aari McDonald, a 28-year-old guard who took the Indiana Fever by storm last year before going down with an injury. McDonald averaged 9.8 points, 4.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in 20 contests last year, including 13 starts.

But she missed the last 13 games of the season with a broken foot, and also missed the subsequent Unrivaled season. If healthy, McDonald provides a big boost to an already-stacked Lynx roster.

She was originally selected third overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2021 WNBA Draft after an illustrious career at the University of Arizona. She spent three seasons with the Dream before joining the Los Angeles Sparks. Across her 5-year WNBA career, she averaged 8.8 points, 3.1 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. McDonald was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2021 and helped the Dream advance to the postseason in 2023.

To clear space for McDonald, the Lynx have waived guard Eliška Joklová, who averaged 1.7 points in 5.3 minutes per game this season.

Now, Aari McDonald joins a 31-9 Lynx squad eager to win a title.

Minnesota won’t need significant contributions from McDonald; they already have rookie Olivia Miles running the show at point guard, and Courtney Williams sharing the backcourt, fresh off her third All-Star appearance.

Miles is in the MVP race, averaging 19.7 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds per game, while Williams is tallying 14.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.

Behind them, Maya Caldwell has played significant minutes off the bench; the 27-year-old guard is averaging 4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13.8 minutes a night.

McDonald likely won’t have a massive opportunity, but she may have the chance to battle for meaningful backup minutes at the guard position. And, while she’s been out of the league this season, the last time she laced up for a WNBA team, she was hugely impactful.

Ultimately, the Lynx will go as Miles, Williams, Kayla McBride, Napheesa Collier, and Natasha Howard go. But, bench players win games in the postseason, and McDonald just might be the kind of player who could move the needle come October.