Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) celebrates a 3-pointer Tuesday, June 3, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
INDIANAPOLIS – DeWanna Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion, has been waived by the Indiana Fever, signaling a significant shift in the team’s roster dynamics. Multiple sources confirm that Bonner, who played just nine games this season, had no intention of returning, citing a poor fit with the team as the primary reason for her departure.
Breaking: Bonner’s Unexpected Exit
The Fever’s decision to cut ties with Bonner on Wednesday follows unsuccessful attempts to trade her. Bonner was signed to a one-year unprotected contract merely four months ago, but her absence since June due to “personal reasons” hinted at underlying issues.
Fever coach Stephanie White, who initially expressed optimism about Bonner’s situation, recently shifted her focus entirely to the current roster. “I haven’t had a lot of conversations with her recently,” White stated. “Really been focused on the team we have right here and what we need to do to position ourselves to win.”
Key Details Emerge
Midseason trades in the WNBA are rare due to the league’s hard salary cap. Bonner’s situation draws parallels to Sylvia Fowles’ 2015 trade, although the circumstances differ significantly. Unlike Fowles, Bonner’s tenure with the Fever was brief, and her signing was expected to bolster the team’s championship aspirations alongside Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark.
7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists were Bonner’s averages in her nine games with the Fever.
Industry Response and Regional Implications
Teams now have 48 hours to claim Bonner off waivers, requiring full cap space of $200,000 to absorb her contract. The Golden State Valkyries and Washington Mystics are potential suitors, but sources indicate Bonner prefers a return to the Phoenix Mercury, where she is engaged to forward Alyssa Thomas.
If Bonner clears waivers, she becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Mercury have $88,103 in cap space, allowing them to sign Bonner at the veteran minimum without further cap adjustments. However, the Mercury would need to release a player to maintain the league’s 12-player roster limit.
By the Numbers
$200,000 – Cap space required for a team to claim Bonner.
$78,831 – Veteran minimum salary Bonner could sign for with the Mercury.
5.5 weeks – Duration Bonner was on the Fever’s roster this season.
What Comes Next
The Fever have re-signed guard Aari McDonald to a rest-of-season contract, filling the void left by Bonner. As the waiver period unfolds, all eyes are on whether Bonner will indeed join the Mercury or opt for another team.
“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 expressed in a team release.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as teams assess their options and Bonner considers her next move in the WNBA landscape.
