"Do your own research": $85,000 Fever forward seemingly offended as fans demand to cut her for Caitlin Clark replacement

The Indiana Fever fans are high on Caitlin Clark's replacement, Aari McDonald, who signed a hardship contract due to the star’s absence. However, the decision is a complicated one, despite Indiana potentially feeling the same way. Once the Fever have up to 10 players available, McDonald’s contract will be automatically terminated.

To bring her back, the Fever can't immediately cut an unprotected player to sign McDonald to a standard deal. They can cut someone later, but must wait 10 days to re-sign McDonald. During those 10 days, she will be a free agent and able to sign with another team, either as a hardship player or on a standard contract.

Indiana also doesn’t have the cap space under its current pay structure, with only one roster spot open to sign McDonald. The Fever would have to wait until at least July to sign McDonald if they choose to cut an unprotected player — namely Brianna Turner, Sydney Colson or Makayla Timpson.

All three players are unlikely to be cut. The noise around Turner seems significant, considering her sporadic role with the team. On Thursday, she seemingly called out fans demanding she be waived on X, saying:

Breezy

@_Breezy_Briii

LINK

I think it’s important to do your own research & reach independent conclusions in reference to all the chaos that gets trendy on social media. And I don’t mean ask an ai chatbot 🙃

Turner has averaged 4.7 minutes per game in six outings. While the Fever don’t need her on the floor now, they might lean on her services once backup center Damaris Dantas leaves briefly to join the Brazilian national team.

The Fever can’t risk cutting Turner despite her $85,000 unprotected deal, as it may backfire if McDonald chooses to sign with another team, which is likely.

Caitlin Clark's return could push Aari McDonald out the door soon

Caitlin Clark could return for the Indiana Fever for the first time since May 23 on Saturday against the New York Liberty. If that happens, McDonald’s contract will automatically be terminated, confirming her exit from Indiana, likely for the entire season. The Fever will have 10 players available upon Clark’s return.

With several teams dealing with injuries, McDonald could find a new home soon, potentially on a standard contract. She had a strong showing for the Fever in three games, averaging 11.0 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals, shooting 37.5% from 3.