Fever could keep Aari McDonald after Clark returns if they make a deep roster cut

Aari McDonald joined the Fever on a hardship contract after both Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham went down with injuries in May. McDonald has been a lightning rod for the team, a rallying point for fans, and an athlete who embodies what makes the Fever great. Unfortunately, as Cunningham and Clark get closer to returning, it's not clear if McDonald will have a permanent spot on the roster — unless the Fever cuts Brianna Turner, who is averaging fewer than five minutes of playing time this season.

This is not an endorsement of cutting Turner, but simply an opportunity to dive into what possibilities exist that could keep McDonald on the team. As it stands, it seems the Fever have two: waiving Turner, a six-year veteran of the league, or waiving McDonald (and bringing her back in July).

Caitlin Clark's return date is unknown

The Fever has not indicated when Clark will be back on the floor, though Coach White has emphasized that it's not simply a matter of sneakers on the hardwood; the longer Clark is out, the more in shape she will need to be before she can return to her full playing potential. The same is true for Cunningham, who reinjured her ankle during the team's May 30 game against the Sun.

McDonald's hardship contract is only viable if the Fever have fewer than 10 available players. Once Clark or Cunningham comes back, there won't be an immediate way to keep McDonald without making a cut.

Assuming she departs when Cunningham and Clark return, there is a window of opportunity that could bring McDonald back a little sooner than fans might think. The Fever will have the opportunity to sign a player in July, and will have the cap space to retain McDonald for the rest of the season.

No matter what happens, Aari McDonald has a bright future in the league

Though McDonald wasn't ultimately a good fit for the Sparks this season, the opportunity to play for the Fever has allowed her to prove she has what it takes to compete at the highest levels in the league. If the Fever can't find a way to keep her on the team, there are plenty of other teams who could use her skillset, and the Sky in particular is in need of an athlete who can jump into the team and fight hard, just as McDonald did for the Fever.