WNBA Legend Sheryl Swoopes Urges Angel Reese’s Sky To Sign Fever Outcast To Fix Glaring Need

The Indiana Fever are set to face the New York Liberty on Saturday, June 14, in a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup showdown. Facing the best team in the league won’t be easy. But the Fever can breathe a little easier as both Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham are set to return for the big game.

Still, the biggest talking point right now is why Aari McDonald, Clark’s temporary replacement, isn’t playing in Saturday’s matchup with the Liberty, even after showing promise in the last three games. Meanwhile, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes wants McDonald to replace Courtney Vandersloot of the Chicago Sky, who is out for the season with an ACL injury.

Sheryl Swoopes Urges Sky to Sign Aari McDonald to Support Angel Reese

McDonald keeps making waves in the WNBA. After signing with the Fever on a hardship contract, she made an immediate impact, averaging 11 points, 3 assists and 2 steals per game while filling in for Clark. Her strong play over the last three games, including wins against the Sky and Mystics, quickly earned her support from fans.

But with Clark and Cunningham returning from injury, the Fever now have 10 healthy players. Due to hardship contract rules, the team had no choice but to release McDonald. Given her strong run, struggling teams may now look to sign her to a full-season deal.

to meet the 10-player roster minimum and WNBA emergency hardship exception requirements, we have waived guard Aari McDonald.
thank you, Aari ❤️

learn more: https://t.co/Xmc2ko6EZt pic.twitter.com/tVPMcSgdgj

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 13, 2025

Swoopes, a four-time WNBA champion, didn’t hold back. She said the Sky should act quickly and sign McDonald to help Angel Reese as Vandersloot’s replacement.

“Personally, I think Aari McDonald should stay at Indiana,” Swoopes said (50:52). “She is making a big difference on that team. When Caitlin gets back, they gotta get rid of somebody, and if it’s Aari McDonald, Chicago you need to call her. You need a point guard, you need an experienced point guard!”

She’s not alone, either. With their veteran guard Vandersloot out for the year, many fans and analysts believe Chicago should add McDonald.

Right now, the Sky are led by Reese, but the team has struggled without a true guard since Vandersloot’s injury. With McDonald now available, Chicago has a chance to grab an in-form, game-ready player.

Swoopes makes a solid case, but it remains to be seen whether the Sky will offer a contract to the former No. 3 overall pick.