The Indiana Fever have waived veteran guard DeWanna Bonner, ending her brief tenure with the team amid reported tensions. Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion, was benched after starting the first three games and missed the subsequent five due to personal reasons. The decision comes after weeks of speculation about a strained relationship between Bonner and the organization.
Bonner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for the Fever, acknowledging that the fit did not work out and that she was moving on to explore other options. The team has signed Aari McDonald in her place, as Bonner will have 32 hours to be claimed off waivers or become an unrestricted free agent. The move marks a shift in the team’s strategy as they focus on building around their young core of players.
Bonner’s statement sheds light on the alleged fractured relationship between the organization and the six-time All-Star, which reportedly began after she was benched in the starting lineup in favor of Lexie Hull after just three games. The league sources indicated that the expectations from both sides were not in alignment, with Bonner expecting to be a starter in Indiana. Sources told Front Office Sports that the fit was ‘off,’ and that Bonner had ‘no interest’ in returning, instead eyeing the Phoenix Mercury or the Atlanta Dream as potential landing spots.
Bonner, 37, averaged 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds a game during her brief stint, which began with her moving into third place on the league’s all-time scoring list in the season opener. However, the reports indicated that the expectations from both sides were not in alignment. The Fever signed guard Aari McDonald in place of Bonner, who averaged 11 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in three appearances with the team this season after being picked up via the WNBA’s emergency hardship exception.
The move comes as the Fever continue to navigate the challenges of building a competitive roster while maintaining team chemistry. The organization’s decision to move on from Bonner reflects a strategic shift toward fostering team cohesion and leveraging the potential of their younger players. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to adapt and align with their roster will be crucial in determining their success on the court.