Can Indiana Fever cut Sydney Colson to keep Aari McDonald on roster? WNBA rules explained

Aari McDonald is on an emergency hardship contract, which was triggered following injuries to Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark. The Fever became eligible to sign another player when they could not meet the minimum (10) number of players available for a game. Fever coach Stephanie White used the exception to get a player who could run the offense.

The Fever have nine on the roster following Colson’s availability. Once Clark or Cunningham returns, the Fever must terminate McDonald’s contract, per WNBA rules.

Still, keeping Aari McDonald remains a possibility. Richard Cohen, who runs Her Hoops Stats, explained how the Fever can retain the 5-foot-6 guard on the roster.

The Indiana Fever can waive an unprotected player who can match McDonald’s $73K salary, per Spotrac. Sydney Colson ($90K) and Brianna Turner ($85K) are the likely candidates. If McDonald agrees to take less, the Fever can also waive rookie Makayla Thompson, who is in the books for $69K.

Sophie Cunningham is day-to-day, while Caitlin Clark could return from a left quad injury on Tuesday. Once either gets the green light to play, the Fever will have to make a tough decision regarding Aari McDonald’s future.

Stephanie White praised Aari McDonald following the point guard’s impressive debut on Tuesday

Aari McDonald signed with the Indiana Fever on Monday, giving her less than 24 hours to prepare for her debut. She came off the bench to help push the Fever to a slump-busting 85-76 victory against the Mystics.

McDonald outplayed Sydney Colson, prompting Stephanie White to play the newly-signed guard more against the Mystics. After only one practice, McDonald debuted with seven points and led the Fever with five assists and three steals. The former LA Sparks guard gave the team a boost with her defense and pace and efficiently ran the offense.

After the game, White had this to say to McDonald:

“Aari, hell of a job! You were awesome. You came in, and you impacted the ball game. You settled us down. You were aggressive. Your defense set the tone. Hell of a job.”

White signed McDonald because of the point guard’s proven ability to run an offense as a starter. On Tuesday, she stood out for running an offense she was unfamiliar with and for her defense. McDonald is already in the top 10 of offensive fouls drawn in just one game.

Stephanie White has to make a big decision regarding the Fever roster following McDonald’s impressive showing.

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Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael’s background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich’s genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael’s reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael’s children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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