WNBA veteran DeWanna Bonner has been cut by the Indiana Fever, a move that could potentially clear the path for her to join the Phoenix Mercury. According to multiple reports, teams across the league have been advised against claiming Bonner off waivers, largely because her strong preference is to sign with the Mercury if she becomes a free agent.
Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion, reportedly had no intention of returning to the Fever after playing just nine games this season. Sources indicate that the fit with the Indiana organization felt “off” from the start, despite her signing a one-year unprotected contract just four months prior.
After failing to find a viable trade partner, the Fever made the decision to waive Bonner on Wednesday.
Bonner had been away from the team since the second week of June for what the Fever initially cited as “personal reasons.” Coach Stephanie White had previously stated Bonner was “doing well” and “day-to-day,” with the team being supportive. However, White’s public comments shifted just before the Fever’s game on Tuesday. “I haven’t had a lot of conversations with her recently,” White said. “Really been focused on the team we have right here.”
Understanding WNBA Midseason Moves and Waivers
Midseason trades are uncommon in the WNBA due to the league’s hard salary cap. While players have forced moves before – notably Sylvia Fowles sitting out part of 2015 before a trade – Bonner’s situation is different given her brief tenure in Indiana. Her signing was highly anticipated, expected to be a key piece alongside Caitlin Clark, but instead, she is now on the waiver wire.
Here’s how the waiver process works for Bonner:
Teams have 48 hours to claim her off waivers.
To claim Bonner, a team must have the full $200,000 required to absorb her contract under the salary cap.
- The Fever’s cap hit will be minimal, covering only the roughly five-and-a-half weeks she was on the roster.
While teams like the Golden State Valkyries and Washington Mystics possess sufficient cap space to claim Bonner, reports suggest they are being discouraged from doing so due to her clear desire to sign with the Mercury.
Could Bonner Land with the Phoenix Mercury?
The potential destination driving Bonner’s move is the Phoenix Mercury, where her fiancé, Alyssa Thomas, is a forward. Bonner and Thomas played together for five seasons with the Connecticut Sun, helping the team reach multiple semifinals and the 2022 WNBA Finals.
If Bonner clears waivers without being claimed, she would become an unrestricted free agent. This status allows her to sign with any team. The Mercury currently have approximately $88,103 in cap space, enough to potentially sign Bonner to the veteran minimum salary of $78,831 without needing to make additional cap-clearing moves.
However, the Mercury would need to cut one player to meet the league’s 12-player roster limit. Sources indicate that even a Mercury signing isn’t a guaranteed outcome, as there are considerations about how adding Bonner might impact the team’s developing chemistry and core dynamic.
Fit Issues and Bonner’s Expectations
Part of Bonner’s discontent with the Fever reportedly stemmed from expectations regarding her role. She started three games before moving to a reserve role, averaging 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in nine appearances. Her final game saw her register 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Sources suggested her desire for a starting role played a part in the “fit” issues.
In a statement issued by the team, Bonner acknowledged the situation: “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.”
Meanwhile, the Fever announced the re-signing of guard Aari McDonald to a rest-of-season veteran minimum contract.
