Rumors are swirling that the Indiana Fever’s significant offseason acquisition, DeWanna Bonner, may be headed for an early exit from the team. According to multiple league sources, the veteran forward has no interest in continuing her tenure with the Fever, potentially cutting short a highly anticipated partnership.
A Short-Lived Stint in Indiana
Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star, signed with the Fever in February on a one-year, unprotected contract valued at $200,000. Her signing was part of a blockbuster free agency period for Indiana, which also saw them bring in three-time champion Natasha Howard, two-time champion Sydney Colson, and re-sign two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell, aiming to build a competitive roster around their young core.
However, Bonner’s time on the court for Indiana was brief. She started the first three games of the season before being moved to the bench in favor of shooting guard Lexie Hull. After playing six games off the bench, Bonner was ruled out by the team due to “personal reasons.” Before her absence, she appeared in just nine games, averaging 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. Her last appearance was on June 10 against the Atlanta Dream.
Reports of an “Off” Fit
Sources close to the situation suggest the fit between Bonner and the Fever “felt off” from the outset. Bonner, who was expected to provide championship experience and leadership as a starter and anchor for the team’s developing players, reportedly didn’t find the role or environment suitable. The Fever organization has declined to comment on the situation.
Adding another layer to the ongoing narrative, Bonner has missed her fifth consecutive game as reports of her potential departure intensify. Amidst her absence, Bonner posted on social media about her family, stating they were her “greatest loves.” While other WNBA players, including her wife Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury), DiJonai Carrington, and Isabelle Harrison, commented on the post, Indiana Fever rookie Makayla Timpson also publicly showed support by commenting “❤️❤️”. This is a seemingly bold move, especially considering Timpson’s own limited playing time this season and head coach Stephanie White’s reported reluctance to discuss Bonner’s situation publicly, opting instead to focus on the active roster.
Sources indicate Bonner’s sights are reportedly set on a return to either the Phoenix Mercury or a move to the Atlanta Dream as her preferred landing spots. Her agent, Mike Cound, has not commented on his client’s standing with the Fever.
Potential Paths Forward
With Bonner seemingly unwilling to return, the Fever face a couple of potential scenarios for her contract:
Trade Possibilities: While a trade is one option, sources describe it as unlikely. Both the Phoenix Mercury ($88,103 cap space) and Atlanta Dream ($23,939 cap space), according to Spotrac figures, have limited financial flexibility. Moving Bonner’s $200,000 salary would likely require a complex multi-player package to clear enough cap room, making a simple trade challenging.
Waiving Bonner: The Most Likely Outcome: The more probable scenario, although not significantly beneficial to the Fever, is waiving Bonner. Because she is on an unprotected contract, the team would only be responsible for her prorated salary up until the point she is waived. Unprotected contracts typically become fully guaranteed at the midpoint of the WNBA season. Waiving Bonner would primarily serve to free up cap space for the Fever, allowing them flexibility for potential future moves.
If the Fever were to waive Bonner, she would be subject to waivers for 48 hours, during which other WNBA teams could claim her contract. If no team claims her, she would become an unrestricted free agent. The current veteran minimum salary in the WNBA is $78,831. This means that if the Fever were to waive her and she clears the waiver process, a team like the Mercury could potentially sign her for the veteran minimum without needing to make additional roster cuts to create cap space.
As the situation unfolds, it appears DeWanna Bonner’s tenure with the Indiana Fever is nearing its end. While the team gains little beyond cap space, a potential waiving could pave the way for Bonner to land with a team more aligned with her preferences, possibly leading her back to Phoenix or to Atlanta.
