You know things are serious when Stephanie White starts talking like she’s casting for a spy mission. “Certainly, we need to have someone who can add value on the defensive end. We’ve gotta have somebody who can navigate and help us get into offense, handle the ball,” she said after it became clear that the Indiana Fever would be without not just Caitlin Clark but most of their backcourt depth as well, following injuries to both Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham. So, in came someone you all have opinions about.

Aari McDonald was signed under the WNBA’s emergency hardship rule, a clause that basically says, “Okay, you’re down bad, here’s a lifeline.” Everyone had opinions like they always do, but before the takes could spiral, a national analyst stepped in with a take that, let’s say, balances on the fence.

With Caitlin Clark sidelined, the Fever urgently needed someone who could handle the ball and bring defensive intensity while understanding offense. McDonald checked the boxes. Known for her elite speed, grit, and tenacity on defense, McDonald brings exactly the kind of presence Indiana has been missing. On paper, it’s a smart signing.

Rachel DeMita, however, wasn’t fully sold on the excitement around the signing. Sharing her thoughts on her YouTube channel, she said, “It’s not like this player is going to come in and turn around this team or play a huge role. They honestly just need to go in, be an extra body, take care of the ball, learn the offenses quickly, and do a decent job on defense.”

Starting the season with a 2-4 record isn’t something anyone saw coming, especially from a team with championship aspirations. While Aari McDonald brings some much-needed help, averaging 8.7 points on 40% shooting and 3.7 assists per game, she isn’t expected to drastically change the team’s fortunes. After all, the Fever were dropping games even with Caitlin Clark in the lineup and are currently on a three-game losing run. As talented as McDonald was in college, she hasn’t quite translated that same dominance to the pros, which led to her being waived by the Sparks before the season even began. So, it is understandable why people are tight with the hopes they dish out.

Some fans weren’t exactly thrilled with the Fever’s decision to bring her in, arguing that someone like Chennedy Carter would’ve been a better fit. But Rachel DeMita was quick to put things into perspective. Because, okay, she might not be the best out there, but doesn’t the Fever have larger things to worry about? And anyway, White wanted the “best available player,” so she does stand somewhere in that category.

Hence, DeMita continued, saying, “I’m seeing some people get frustrated with this signing or throw out other names of who they would prefer the Indiana Fever sign. I just don’t think, of all the things, that this is what we should be overreacting about.”

Also, under the WNBA’s hardship exception, McDonald’s time with the Fever will be short-lived. Once Caitlin Clark or any of the other injured players return, Indiana will have to cut down their roster to meet the 12-player roster limit—11 in their case to remain under the salary cap. So, there’s a real chance McDonald won’t be around for long. As for Chennedy Carter, she’s currently playing pro basketball in Mexico and wouldn’t have been an option anyway. That said, the length of McDonald’s contract could actually offer a clue about Caitlin Clark’s return timeline.

What Aari McDonald’s contract says about Caitlin Clark’s return

First things first, the Fever haven’t revealed any recent positive updates about Clark’s recovery, nor have they specified the length of Aari’s contract. However, it’s worth pointing out that the Fever didn’t sign Aari McDonald to a rest-of-season hardship contract, which would’ve guaranteed her a spot for the season. Instead, all signs point to her deal being a short-term one. According to a report from Bolavip, WNBA hardship contracts usually last just seven days.

If McDonald’s deal is indeed a one-week contract, it could be a sign that Caitlin Clark is on track to return before the Fever’s June 10 game against the Atlanta Dream. That would line up perfectly with the initial injury timeline provided by the team. Of course, McDonald’s contract can always be extended, but as things stand, all signs are pointing toward Clark making her return against the Dream. Also, let’s not forget that Cunningham’s availability adds a new layer to the situation.

No one knows how things will unfold. That said, there couldn’t have been a better opportunity for Fever to test themselves as a team and for McDonald to make her mark.