According to Annie Costabile of FOS, DeWanna Bonner has made it clear she has no desire to return to the Indiana Fever.
DeWanna Bonner has long been one of the most respected and accomplished veterans in the WNBA. Over the years, her ability to perform at a high level, lead by example, and bring consistency on both ends of the floor has made her a coveted presence in locker rooms across the league. However, despite her long tenure and the fluid nature of professional sports, one thing has become apparent: a return to the Indiana Fever is not something she is interested in pursuing, according to a recent report by Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports.
Bonner, who was originally drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2009, has enjoyed a storied career that spans over a decade. With two championships, multiple All-Star selections, and a reputation for being both tough and versatile, Bonner has cemented herself as a cornerstone of any team she plays for. Her time in the WNBA has taken her to different organizations, each of which she has left a significant impact on, including her current role with the Connecticut Sun. But even in an era where veterans sometimes circle back to former teams or take on mentoring roles with younger squads, Bonner seems adamant that Indiana will not be on her list of destinations moving forward.
The Indiana Fever, a franchise in the midst of a rebuild, has been under a lot of public scrutiny over the past few seasons. Once a perennial contender that featured the likes of Tamika Catchings and routinely made deep playoff runs, the Fever fell into a cycle of underperformance that led to multiple coaching changes, front office shifts, and missed opportunities in both free agency and the draft. While things have started to turn around with the arrival of high-profile draft picks and the development of young talent, the organization is still finding its way back to relevancy. And for a seasoned veteran like Bonner, returning to an environment still striving for consistency and identity might not align with her professional goals.
Bonner’s lack of interest in returning to Indiana could stem from several factors. For one, her career is at a stage where time is precious. Veterans with her pedigree are often looking for teams that are either already championship contenders or at least trending upward in a meaningful way. While Indiana has shown flashes of promise, particularly with the addition of players like Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, the growing pains are still evident. Bonner has been in enough locker rooms to recognize how long and taxing a rebuild can be, and she likely sees more value in continuing her journey with a team like the Connecticut Sun, which is consistently in the playoff conversation.
Another consideration may be personal and historical. Bonner’s brief connection to the Fever—if any at all in terms of past negotiations or potential transactions—might not have left a lasting impression, or worse, might have soured her perception of the franchise. Veteran players often speak about the importance of team culture, front office transparency, and long-term vision when deciding where to play, and if any of those elements didn’t align with Bonner’s standards, it would make perfect sense for her to eliminate Indiana as an option.
There’s also the question of fit. Even if Bonner were theoretically open to returning to Indiana, would the roster, coaching staff, and play style suit her game at this stage in her career? The Fever are heavily reliant on the development of their younger players, and while having a veteran presence is important, it often comes with the risk of disrupting development if not handled correctly. Bonner is still capable of playing heavy minutes and producing at a high level, but asking her to take a backseat on a rebuilding team might not be a productive scenario for either party. Conversely, if the Fever wanted her to play a leadership role off the bench or as a mentor, it might not be an ideal usage of her remaining prime years.
The broader context of Bonner’s decision-making is also worth considering. The WNBA has seen increased player empowerment over the last decade. Veterans are more vocal about where they want to play, how they want to be used, and what kind of environments they’re willing to invest in. Bonner is a product of this evolution. She has earned the right to be selective, and that means being honest about what she wants out of the remainder of her career. If that doesn’t include a return to Indiana, it’s a decision rooted in professionalism and clarity rather than animosity or drama.
Her current situation in Connecticut also plays a role. The Sun are a stable, competitive team with a winning culture. Bonner has found a home there alongside other stars like Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones, and the team has built an identity around grit, defense, and unselfish play—characteristics that align with Bonner’s own approach. Leaving that kind of setup to join a team still trying to establish its footing would represent a major change, and it’s one that doesn’t appear to make sense given where Bonner is in her journey.
Additionally, her personal life is rooted in the current environment she’s in. Bonner has close relationships with teammates and staff, and those off-court dynamics matter a lot for veteran players. When a player feels comfortable, respected, and valued, it’s hard to walk away from that, even if other teams come calling. The loyalty she has built with Connecticut—and vice versa—adds another layer of reason for her lack of interest in revisiting the past with Indiana.
It’s also fair to acknowledge the media landscape and how statements like these get interpreted. A report stating Bonner has no interest in returning to Indiana could be framed as a harsh dismissal, but in reality, it’s likely just a matter of preference and pragmatism. The WNBA, while growing rapidly, still has a limited number of teams and roster spots. Players have to make calculated decisions, especially in the twilight of their careers. Bonner choosing to focus her energy elsewhere doesn’t have to be viewed as a slight against the Fever—it’s simply a player exercising her right to choose her path.
Indiana fans may be disappointed by the news, especially those who hoped the franchise could bring in a veteran like Bonner to stabilize the locker room and accelerate the development of its young core. But building a contender takes time and patience, and not every free agent or veteran will be the right fit at the right time. The Fever will have to look elsewhere for leadership and experience, perhaps turning to other veterans who are more inclined to take on a developmental role or who see potential in being part of a team on the rise.
Meanwhile, Bonner will continue to chase the goals she’s set for herself—whether it’s another deep playoff run, another shot at a title, or simply continuing to play meaningful basketball surrounded by teammates and coaches she trusts. Her decision to rule out Indiana is just a small chapter in a much larger narrative about player agency, team-building philosophy, and the ever-evolving landscape of professional women’s basketball.
Ultimately, this report from Annie Costabile doesn’t signal anything scandalous or surprising. Instead, it serves as a reminder that every player has their own journey, their own motivations, and their own standards for how they want to finish their careers. For DeWanna Bonner, that journey will not include a return to the Indiana Fever—and that’s okay. She’s earned the right to choose her future, and for now, that future looks a lot brighter elsewhere.
