What on earth is going on in Indiana? Caitlin Clark’s shooting troubles don’t seem to end, and now the Fever have decided to part ways with DeWanna Bonner? “Just the way she talks and she leads, for me as a second-year point guard, I want to win for her,” Clark had said when the Fever announced the signing of the 2x WNBA champion. Fast forward a few months, and after missing 4 straight games due to personal reasons, Bonner has been waived by the Indiana Fever. The decision has left the WNBA community in disbelief, but not Becky Hammon.
Bonner’s move from the Connecticut Sun to the Fever was seen as one of the offseason’s biggest moves. ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo had the Fever as one of the favorites to win the championship after DB’s signing. But things didn’t work out as expected. After just three games into the season, Bonner found herself on the bench. Lexie Hull was seen as the better fit for the starting 5, and coach Stephanie White had reasons for it.
Her production took a clear hit in Indiana. The 6x All-Star averaged just 7.1 points on 34.5% shooting and 3.8 rebounds over 9 games. On top of it, she only scored in double digits twice. Quite astonishing given the fact that we are talking about the WNBA’s third all-time leading scorer.
While the news did shock the community, Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon wasn’t too surprised about it. Speaking during the pregame press conference ahead of their game against the Connecticut Sun, Hammon explained, “I knew a little bit about it before—didn’t hit me by storm. You know, she was with Steph in Connecticut too, so I know they have a pretty solid relationship. But for whatever reason, things don’t work out and, um, you know, now there’s like a DB sweepstakes.”
For the last 4 games, Bonner hasn’t been with the team, due to undisclosed personal reasons. But now, things are a lot clearer. Apparently, she no longer wanted to be part of the Fever roster. She felt the fit wasn’t right. According to Chloe Peterson of the IndyStar, the Fever actively explored trade options for the veteran forward, but no suitable trade could be materialized. Waiving her became the only option left.
Now, given the situation, Hammon not being surprised by the news does make sense. It’s very likely that the Fever explored every possible trade route. That could also include making calls to the Aces front office to negotiate a trade.
It’s a bittersweet ending to what once looked like a promising chapter. Fever fans were excited about the idea of DeWanna Bonner mentoring Indiana’s young core, but it wasn’t meant to be. It is rumored that Bonner will likely join the Phoenix Mercury to link up with her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas. And while the departure was anything but smooth, Bonner did express her gratitude to the organization.
DeWanna Bonner thanks the Indiana Fever for the opportunity
Earlier this year, Bonner had decided to leave the Connecticut Sun in the pursuit of another championship. That pursuit brought her to Indiana, where she signed a one-year, $200,000 unrestricted deal with the Fever. Fresh off a playoff run where she notably shut Caitlin Clark down, the expectations were sky high, but it lasted only 9 games. Nonetheless, Bonner took time out to thank the organization.
May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) celebrates becoming the 3rd most leading points scorer in the WNBA in the second half against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/USATSI_26209783.jpg https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/USATSI_26209783.jpg
“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise. Despite our shared goals and excitement heading into the season, I felt the fit did not work out, and I appreciate the organization’s willingness to grant my request to move on, particularly at this point in my career,” Bonner said. “I wish the Fever great success as they continue to build around this dynamic group of young players.”
Taking DeWanna Bonner’s place is a familiar face. Yes, Aari McDonald is back! She earned plenty of praise during her earlier stint with the Fever when Caitlin Clark was out injured. Her return is definitely a big boost for the Fever. But is she the missing piece that will help the Fever make a deep playoff run? That remains to be seen!
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