The Indiana Fever are navigating a complex and potentially challenging situation as official news emerges regarding six-time WNBA All-Star DeWanna Bonner. Reports indicate that Bonner, who joined the Fever during the 2025 offseason, has expressed a clear desire to leave the team and has declined a new contract offer, casting a significant shadow over the Fever’s mid-season aspirations. This development comes after Bonner had been absent from the team for several games, citing “personal reasons,” a period during which speculation about her future with the franchise had already begun to mount.
DeWanna Bonner, a veteran with a storied 16-year WNBA career, arrived in Indiana with high expectations. The Fever signed her in February 2025 to a one-year, unprotected contract valued at $200,000, seeing her as a crucial piece to bolster their young core, provide championship experience, and serve as an anchor for a team featuring rising stars like Aliyah Boston and rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. Bonner’s impressive resume speaks for itself: she is a two-time WNBA champion (with the Phoenix Mercury in 2009 and 2014), a six-time All-Star (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024), a two-time All-WNBA First Team honoree, and a three-time Sixth Woman of the Year. Her longevity and consistent production have placed her among the league’s all-time greats in scoring and rebounding.
However, the fit in Indiana appears to have been “off” from the beginning, according to multiple league sources cited by Front Office Sports. Bonner started only three games for the Fever to open the season before being moved to the bench in favor of shooting guard Lexie Hull. While Bonner’s veteran presence and experience were still valuable, her averages of 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in the nine games she played for the Fever were significantly below her career norms and what was likely anticipated when she was brought in as a major offseason acquisition.
The situation came to a head when Bonner was ruled out for personal reasons after playing her last game on June 10 against the Atlanta Dream. This absence, which has now spanned five consecutive games, coincides with reports that she has “no interest” in returning to play for the Indiana Fever. Furthermore, sources indicate that Bonner has turned down a new contract offer from the Fever, and her preferred landing spots, if a trade were to materialize, would be with the Phoenix Mercury – her former team and home for nine seasons – or the Atlanta Dream.
For the Indiana Fever, this development represents a significant blow. They invested heavily in Bonner, both financially and strategically, to add a veteran leader and a consistent scoring threat. The abrupt nature of her potential departure, especially given that she’s currently in her first season with the team, creates immediate challenges. Head coach Stephanie White, who also reunited with Bonner after coaching her during their time with the Connecticut Sun, now faces the task of adjusting the roster and game plan without a player who was expected to be a key contributor.
The timing is particularly difficult as the WNBA season approaches its midpoint, when unprotected contracts typically become fully guaranteed. Bonner is currently on an unprotected deal. This means the Fever face a couple of scenarios:
- Trade: The Fever could attempt to trade Bonner. However, this is described as unlikely by sources due to the salary cap situations of her preferred destinations (Phoenix Mercury and Atlanta Dream have limited cap space) and the challenge of finding a suitable trade package for a player of Bonner’s caliber and contract. A trade might involve multiple players to clear cap space for either side.
- Waive: The more likely scenario, according to reports, is that the Fever will waive Bonner. Because her contract is unprotected, the Fever would only be responsible for her prorated salary up to the point of her release. This option, while not beneficial in terms of receiving assets, would free up cap space for the Fever. If waived, other teams would have 48 hours to claim her off waivers. If unclaimed, she would become an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any team, potentially for a veteran minimum salary.
The news of Bonner’s desire to leave has elicited strong reactions from Indiana Fever fans. Many have expressed frustration and disappointment on social media, viewing it as a mid-season abandonment. Comments ranging from “Mid season quitter, that’s insane lol” to “It’s like not wanting to play on Jordan’s team” reflect the sentiment of betrayal, especially given the team’s ongoing efforts to build a winning culture around Caitlin Clark. Other fans have expressed support for Bonner, suggesting that perhaps the team’s system or utilization didn’t suit her.
The loss of Bonner, particularly at this juncture, would create a void in the Fever’s frontcourt and veteran leadership. While the team has shown resilience and depth in recent games – notably securing a road win against the Seattle Storm where Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell carried the scoring load despite Caitlin Clark’s struggles – the absence of a player with Bonner’s experience and two-way capability will undoubtedly be felt. The team is also currently without head coach Stephanie White, who is on a personal leave, with assistant Mike Kelly stepping in. This dual absence adds another layer of complexity to the Fever’s current situation.
The Indiana Fever will now have to navigate the roster implications of Bonner’s reported wishes. Whether it’s through a trade or a waiver, the team will need to make strategic decisions to maintain competitiveness and continue building for the future around their young core. The situation underscores the often-unpredictable nature of professional sports, where even well-intentioned offseason acquisitions can sometimes fail to align with a player’s expectations or a team’s strategic direction. The WNBA, already under unprecedented scrutiny with its surge in popularity, will undoubtedly watch how this high-profile separation unfolds.
