The Minnesota Lynx are already looking ahead to the WNBA playoffs after putting together another dominant regular season. Minnesota enters the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup break with a 31-9 record, the best mark in the league, and has already secured its place in the postseason.
The Lynx will be looking to turn that regular-season success into a deep playoff run after reaching the semifinals last season. With the postseason approaching, Minnesota has added another veteran piece to its backcourt.
Advertisement
The Lynx announced Monday that they have signed guard Aari McDonald and waived guard Eliška Joklová. McDonald gives Minnesota a familiar face for WNBA fans after spending part of the 2025 season with the Indiana Fever, where she became an important contributor before a fractured right foot ended her season.
MORE: Team USA survives incredible flop attempt by Italian player at FIBA Women’s World Cup
Lynx land an experienced guard in Aari McDonald
WNBA: Indiana Fever at Phoenix Mercury
Former Indiana Fever guard Aari McDonald (2). Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
McDonald should give the Lynx another experienced option in the backcourt, particularly as the team prepares for the physical demands of the postseason.
Advertisement
Her ability to create off the dribble, pressure opposing guards and make plays for teammates could make her a useful depth piece behind Minnesota’s established guards.
McDonald averaged 8.6 points, 2.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds over her first 116 WNBA games with Atlanta and Los Angeles. She also showed what she could provide during her 2025 stint with Indiana, averaging 9.8 points, 4.7 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 20 games during her productive stretch before suffering the season-ending foot injury.
McDonald did not play in the Fever’s 2025 playoff run because of that injury, but she remained part of the team as Indiana advanced to the semifinals. The Lynx can now give her another opportunity to contribute in the postseason.
Minnesota will have time to integrate McDonald during the WNBA’s FIBA World Cup break. The regular season resumes Sept. 17, with the Lynx scheduled to host the New York Liberty on Sept. 18. The playoffs begin Sept. 27.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
