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 – The Indiana Fever have waived two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner, a move that comes as a surprise to the basketball community. Multiple sources have confirmed that Bonner had no plans to return to the team, having played just nine games this season. The decision to part ways was reportedly mutual, as the fit was described as being “off” from the start.
Breaking: Fever Cut Ties Amidst Trade Challenges
After unsuccessful attempts to trade Bonner, the Fever decided to release her from the one-year unprotected contract signed just four months ago. Bonner had been absent from the team since mid-June, with the organization citing “personal reasons” for her leave. Fever coach Stephanie White noted as recently as Saturday that Bonner was “doing well” and considered “day-to-day.”
Immediate Impact on Team Dynamics
However, ahead of the Fever’s recent victory over the Seattle Storm, White indicated a shift in focus. “I haven’t had a lot of conversations with her recently,” White said. “Really been focused on the team we have right here and what we need to do to position ourselves to win.”
Key Details Emerge on Waiver Process
With Bonner now on waivers, other WNBA teams have 48 hours to claim her. Any team that picks her up would need to have the full $200,000 in cap space necessary to absorb her contract. The Fever will only incur a cap hit for the duration she was on the roster, approximately five-and-a-half weeks.
$200,000 – Required cap space for teams to claim Bonner off waivers
Potential Suitors and Strategic Moves
The Golden State Valkyries and Washington Mystics are among the teams with sufficient cap space to acquire Bonner. Despite this, sources indicate that teams are being advised against picking her up, as Bonner reportedly prefers to sign with the Phoenix Mercury. Bonner is engaged to Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, and the pair has a successful history together in Connecticut.
Industry Response and Expert Analysis
Midseason trades in the WNBA are rare due to the league’s hard salary cap. The situation with Bonner is reminiscent of Sylvia Fowles’ 2015 trade, although the circumstances differ significantly. Fowles was a long-time player for the Chicago Sky, while Bonner’s tenure with the Fever was brief.
“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 stated in a team release.
Background Context and Timeline
Bonner was a high-profile signing for the Fever, expected to play a pivotal role alongside 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. However, her transition to a reserve role and subsequent dissatisfaction led to her exit. Bonner averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in her nine appearances, with her final game on June 10 against the Atlanta Dream.
What Comes Next for Bonner and the WNBA
If Bonner clears waivers, she will become an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team. The Phoenix Mercury have the cap space to sign her at the veteran minimum, but they would need to release a player to maintain the league-mandated 12-player roster limit. Sources suggest that while a move to the Mercury is possible, it is not guaranteed due to potential disruptions to their current team chemistry.
48 hours – Timeframe for teams to claim Bonner from waivers
Meanwhile, the Fever have re-signed guard Aari McDonald to a rest-of-season contract, continuing to adjust their roster in the wake of Bonner’s departure.
The unfolding situation highlights the complexities of midseason roster changes in the WNBA, as teams navigate the balance between player preferences and organizational strategies.
