LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Sparks are bringing back Aari McDonald.
While no terms were disclosed, the Sparks will have McDonald for this season, most likely to back up her old University of Washington teammate, Kelsey Plum. McDonald came over from Atlanta in the deal for Jordin Canada last year.
The Sparks re-sign veteran guard Aari McDonald! 🙌
📝 https://t.co/ABt5S3nZyu pic.twitter.com/hNtkLrueBE— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) April 15, 2025
“We’re fired up to have Aari return to the Sparks,” General Manager Raegan Pebley said. “She battled last season for us and is a proven point guard in this league. A gifted passer and communicator, Aari likes to play at the pace we’re working toward. We’re excited to run it back with her this season.”
McDonald played 26 games (starting 10 of them) and averaged 8.7 points and 3.7 assists per contest. She can be an explosive scorer, as evidenced by her career-best 23 points in a win against the Aces last July. And her playmaking has improved, as shown by her career-high 10 assists against the Mercury in late June.
Aari McDonald only played two games after the all-star break last season so the Sparks hope to have her healthier this season. She will help provide scoring and speed in the backcourt. And hopefully, she can help return the Sparks back to prominence.