WNBA Team Signs Former Indiana Fever Player on Monday

The Minnesota Lynx pounce on the opportunity to add a former Indiana Fever player to their roster.

by Will Chesanek

Sep 7, 2026

Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard (6), guard Sophie Cunningham (8), forward Aliyah Boston (7), guard Aari McDonald (2) and guard Kelsey Mitchell (0).

Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cheryl Reeve has the Minnesota Lynx humming as the WNBA is currently on break due to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Minnesota is currently in pole position for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs, sitting at No. 1 with a 31-9 overall record.

Over half of the Lynx’s active roster is represented at the FIBA World Cup. Forward Chloe Bibby represents Australia, guard Antonia Delaere plays for Belgium, Dorka Juhász suits up for Hungary, Eliška Joklová is on the Czechia team, and forward Napheesa Collier will represent the United States. Current Minnesota developmental player Elena Buenavida is part of Team Spain, and Emma Čechová is present with the Czechia team but is rehabbing an injury and unable to play.

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier.

Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

With the team on break and over half the roster in Berlin, Germany, for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, it appears the Minnesota front office has had time to sit back and make a roster move before 2026 WNBA regular-season play resumes.

On Monday, the Lynx went to the social media website Instagram to promote their newest signee. Minnesota posted a picture of McDonald with her arms crossed, along with the graphic, “Welcome Aari McDonald, 2026 Minnesota Lynx.”

Aari McDonald last played for the Indiana Fever in 2025, playing in 20 games and starting in 13 of them. In 26.3 minutes of action, the 5-foot-6 guard averaged 9.7 points per game, 2.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 42.9% shooting from the field and 30.8% from behind the arc. The California native had yet to sign with a team for the 2026 season until Monday.

In 136 career games, the former No. 3 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 WNBA Draft has averaged 8.8 points per game, 2.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 22.3 minutes.

“WELCOME TO MINNESOTA,” the Lynx exclaimed in the Instagram caption. “AARI!”

Minnesota will return to action on Friday, Sept. 18, as it hosts the New York Liberty at Target Center at 7:30 p.m. ET.