Sparks acquire Aari McDonald, 8th overall pick from Dream

Field Level Media|published: Thu 1st February, 14:33 2024

Jun 17, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald (2) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Allie Quigley (14) during the first half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Sparks acquired Aari McDonald and the eighth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft from the Atlanta Dream on Thursday in exchange for fellow guard Jordin Canada and the 12th overall selection in the same draft.

The Sparks now own the Nos. 2, 4, 8 and 24 picks in the draft, which takes place on April 15.

McDonald, 25, averaged 7.9 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 24 games (nine starts) last season with Atlanta. The California native has contributed 8.6 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 90 career games (19 starts) since being selected by the Dream with the third overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft.

"Aari is an exciting addition to the Sparks. I look forward to working with her and have been a fan since her collegiate days," Los Angeles head coach Curt Miller said of McDonald, who played one season at Washington and three at Arizona. "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."

Canada, 28, recorded career-best averages in points (13.3), assists (6.0) and rebounds (3.1) last season. A two-time WNBA champion with Seattle, Canada has contributed 8.8 points, 4.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 182 career games (108 starts) with the Storm and Sparks.

—Field Level Media