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WNBA Los Angeles Sparks

Sparks Acquire Guard Aari McDonald

February 1, 2024 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release


The Los Angeles Sparks today announced the acquisition of guard Aari McDonald in addition to Atlanta Dream's number eight overall pick in this year's draft in exchange for guard Jordin Canada and the Sparks' 12th overall pick. Los Angeles now holds pick numbers 2, 4, 8 and 24 in the draft this year which takes place on April 15.

McDonald was drafted by the Atlanta Dream third overall in 2021 and was a WNBA and AP All-Rookie Team honoree. In three seasons in the league, the 5-foot-6 guard has averaged 8.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 37.8 percent from the field and 83.4 percent from the free-throw line.

"Aari is an exciting addition to the Sparks. I look forward to working with her and have been a fan since her collegiate days," said head coach Curt Miller. "Over her WNBA career she has shown herself to be one of the fastest guards in the league and will help us establish our tempo on a nightly basis."

Collegiately, McDonald played her freshman year at University of Washington where she was named to the 2017 Pac-12 Freshman team and was named a finalist for the U19 U.S. World Cup Team. In three seasons with University of Arizona following her transfer, McDonald finished as Arizona's career leader in points per game with 21.9 and scored 2,041 which is ranked third all-time for the program. She was named the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Winner in 2020, Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2021, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and 2021, three-time All-Pac-12, three-time Pac-12 All-Defense, two-time WBCA All-American and three-time AP All-American.

"I have had a chance to watch Aari throughout her career; she is a dynamic scorer and fierce competitor. We are ecstatic to have her join the Sparks," said general manager Raegan Pebley. "Many pieces make up a complete puzzle. We believe this third first round pick combined with #2, #4 and #24 will be critical pieces that help our vision of elite players becoming champions here in Los Angeles."

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