4 Indiana players on unprotected contracts who can be released to sign Aari McDonald feat. Sophie Cunningham

Aari McDonald has put the Indiana Fever in a tight spot. The Fever, who signed the former LA Sparks guard to a hardship contract, are 2-0 since McDonald joined the team. Indiana might have to let go of an unprotected player to keep the 5-foot-6 guard.

The Fever had the opportunity to acquire McDonald after Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham went down with injuries. With both out for multiple games, the team could not meet the minimum requirement of 10 available players. The Fever signed McDonald once they were eligible for the emergency hardship exception.

Cunningham or Clark could return soon, bringing the total number of healthy players to 10. Per WNBA rules, the Fever must cut Aari McDonald or let an unprotected player go.

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Potential unprotected players the Fever can cut to keep Aari McDonald

#1. Makayla Timpson

The No. 19 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft earned the final roster spot over Jaelyn Brown. Indiana could not keep Brown due to salary cap limitations, as she would have been the 12th name on the roster.

Aari McDonald’s immediate impact might force the Fever to let Mikayla Timpson go. The rookie, who has not played a game this season, is on a three-year $217,640 deal. She is slated to earn $69,267 in her rookie season.

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#2. Brianna Turner

Brianna Turner is another player on an unprotected contract. She is making $85K this season. The veteran forward-center has hardly played this season, making her a potential casualty if the Indiana Fever sign Aari McDonald. Turner is averaging 0.6 points and 1.0 rebounds in 5.4 minutes per game.

McDonald’s energy, hustle and defense could be too enticing for the Fever to let go, potentially making Turner’s days in Indiana numbered.

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#3. Sophie Cunningham

A nagging ankle injury has plagued Sophie Cunningham’s first season outside Phoenix. She is on an unprotected, one-year, $100K deal with the Fever. Cunningham’s value is in her defense, hustle and outside shooting. She is averaging 6.5 PPG, 3.3 RPB and 1.5 APG. Cunningham’s 36.4% efficiency from deep could make her a tough cut for the Fever.

Cunningham could benefit from McDonald’s playmaking. Their connection from the bench might be too good to pass up for Stephanie White.

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#4. Sydney Colson

Aari McDonald outplayed Sydney Colson in her first game with the Indiana Fever. McDonald played so well that White gave her 27 minutes off the bench to Colson’s 16. The former Sparks star had more control of the offense and showed better chemistry with her new teammates after one practice.

Colson, on a one-year, $90K unprotected contract, has serious competition for her backup point guard role. The two-time champ with the Las Vegas Aces is averaging 3.0 PPG, 1.7 APG and 1.1 RPG. She makes 42.1% of her shots, including 30.0% from deep.

Richard Cohen

@RichardCohen1

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You have to release the hardship player when enough regular roster players get healthy and team no longer qualifies for the hardship. Would then have to cut Colson (or whomever) and re-sign McDonald to a regular contract if they decided they want her instead.

Meanwhile, Aari McDonald is averaging 9.5 PPG, 3.5 APG and 1.5 RPG while shooting 40.0%, including 36.4% from behind the arc. The Fever might keep McDonald at Colson’s expense based on their numbers.