Aari McDonald’s Return to the Fever Feels Even Sweeter After Cup VictoryWhat a homecoming it turned out to be! The Indiana Fever pulled off a stunning upset against the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday night, capturing the Commissioner’s Cup in the process. Aari McDonald, who recently rejoined the team following DeWanna Bonner’s departure, played an important role in Indiana’s impressive performance. Her dedication and patience have truly paid off, both in terms of the team’s success and in personal reward.
McDonald first signed with the Fever earlier this season to provide depth during a tough stretch when both Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham were sidelined by injuries. Once those players returned to action, McDonald had to part ways with the team. Despite becoming a free agent, she chose not to sign with another franchise — even though it’s very likely other teams showed interest. There had been speculation that Indiana might find a way to bring McDonald back at some point, and Bonner’s exit created the perfect opening for her return.
Her loyalty hasn’t gone unnoticed. McDonald’s decision to stay patient and committed to Indiana has been rewarded — something that doesn’t always happen in professional sports. As fans have seen recently, players in the WNBA and other leagues can be released or traded with little warning, and tensions surrounding these practices could be a major topic during upcoming collective bargaining negotiations.
McDonald’s impact on the Fever was clear during the Commissioner’s Cup final. With Caitlin Clark out again, Indiana knew it would take a total team effort to pull off the win — and McDonald delivered. Alongside teammates Syd Colson and Natasha Howard, McDonald rose to the challenge and exceeded expectations, which has been characteristic of her time with the Fever so far.
On the defensive end, McDonald has already helped to fill the void left by Bonner’s absence. She has proven to be one of Indiana’s most reliable defenders, and there’s every reason to believe she will continue to play a vital role for the team moving forward.
The Fever’s Cup victory brought more than just a trophy and bragging rights. There were significant financial rewards for the players as well. In total, the Commissioner’s Cup win brought in $500,000, plus an additional $120,000 paid in cryptocurrency. Fever players earned individual bonuses estimated between $41,000 and $45,000 — a huge boost, especially for players like McDonald.
According to salary figures from Spotrac, McDonald earns a base salary of $52,333 this season — the lowest on the Fever roster, which makes sense since she joined the team after the season had already begun. The bonus she earned from the Cup win is nearly equivalent to her full-season pay, making this victory particularly meaningful for her both on and off the court.
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