History of Aari McDonald in Timeline

Aari McDonald is an American professional basketball player, most recently with the Atlanta Dream, who was drafted third overall in the 2021 WNBA draft. She played college basketball at the University of Washington before transferring to the University of Arizona, where she gained significant recognition for her performance.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 20, 1998: Aari McDonald's Birth

On August 20, 1998, Aarion Shawnae McDonald was born. She is now known as a professional basketball player in the WNBA.

Others born on this day/year

November 17, 2019: Breaks Scoring Record

On November 17, 2019, McDonald broke the single-game scoring record with a 44-point performance against 22nd-ranked Texas.

2020: Engagement to Devon Brewer

In 2020, McDonald became engaged to former Arizona defensive back Devon Brewer, who proposed after the Wildcats were eliminated from the Pac-12 Tournament.

2020: Awards and Recognition

In 2020, McDonald received several awards including being named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press and United States Basketball Writers Association, a first-team All-American by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, first-team All-Pac-12 and on the Pac-12 All-Defensive team. She also won the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award.

October 2021: Stint in Hungary

In October 2021, McDonald had a four-game stint in Hungary with Uni Gyor MELY-UT.

2021: NCAA Tournament Run

In 2021, Aari McDonald led the Arizona Wildcats through a successful NCAA tournament run, leading the Wildcats past Stony Brook and BYU, scoring 31 points against Texas A&M in the Sweet Sixteen, and 33 points in the Elite Eight match against Indiana, advancing to the championship appearance. She scored 26 points against UConn.

2021: WNBA Draft and Rookie Season

In 2021, Aari McDonald was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA draft after playing college basketball. During the 2021 WNBA season, she averaged 6.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 30 games and was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.

2021: Drafted by Atlanta Dream and Named to All-Rookie Team

In 2021, McDonald was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA draft, and was subsequently named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.

2022: Return to Atlanta Dream

In 2022, McDonald returned to the Atlanta Dream and averaged 11.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in 36 games.

August 25, 2023: Signs with Perth Lynx

On August 25, 2023, McDonald signed with the Perth Lynx in Australia for the 2023-24 WNBL season.

December 29, 2023: Ruled Out with Knee Injury

On December 29, 2023, McDonald was ruled out for six weeks due to a knee injury. She suffered a torn medial collateral ligament two days earlier but avoided a knee reconstruction.

2023: Third Season with the Atlanta Dream

In 2023, McDonald returned to the Atlanta Dream for a third season.

February 1, 2024: Trade to Los Angeles Sparks

On February 1, 2024, McDonald was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks alongside the 8th pick in the 2024 WNBA draft in exchange for Jordin Canada and the 12th pick.

2024: Signs with Beijing Great Wall

In 2024, McDonald signed with the Beijing Great Wall of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association for the 2024-2025 season.

2024: Stats Current

Stats current through end of the 2024 season.

April 15, 2025: Re-signs with Sparks

On April 15, 2025, McDonald re-signed with the Sparks. However, she did not make the final roster for the season.

June 2, 2025: Signs with Indiana Fever

On June 2, 2025, McDonald signed with the Indiana Fever via emergency hardship exception due to injuries to stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham.