McDonald is expected to provide valuable depth for Minnesota, particularly as the Lynx prepare for the physical demands and increased intensity of the postseason. Her ability to create her own shot, attack defenses off the dribble and apply pressure to opposing guards could make her an important addition to the rotation.
Through her first 116 WNBA games with the Atlanta Dream and Los Angeles Sparks, McDonald averaged 8.6 points, 2.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. She also enjoyed a productive spell with Indiana during the 2025 season, showing the impact she can have when given an opportunity to handle the ball and create for others.
In 20 games with the Fever in 2025, McDonald averaged 9.8 points, 4.7 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game. Her performances made her a useful contributor for Indiana before a foot injury brought her season to an early end.
The injury also kept McDonald out of Indiana's playoff campaign that year. Although she could not take the court, she remained with the team as the Fever made their postseason run and reached the semifinals.
Now, McDonald has another chance to compete for a playoff team. Her move to Minnesota gives her an opportunity to contribute at an important point in the season while providing the Lynx with additional guard depth.
The timing of the move should also allow McDonald and the Lynx to work together before the regular season resumes. The WNBA will take a break for the FIBA World Cup, giving Minnesota time to integrate its new addition into the team.
The regular season is scheduled to resume on Sept. 17, with the Lynx set to host the New York Liberty on Sept. 18. The WNBA playoffs are scheduled to begin on Sept. 27.
For Minnesota, adding McDonald could provide another reliable option in the backcourt as the team enters the final stretch of the season. For McDonald, the move offers a fresh opportunity to make an impact and potentially play a role in another postseason run. Her familiarity with the demands of the league, combined with her playmaking and defensive pressure, could give Minnesota useful flexibility as it navigates the postseason push late in September.
