In a stunning and significant roster shake-up, the Indiana Fever have waived veteran forward DeWanna Bonner and, in a corresponding move, re-signed guard Aari McDonald to a standard contract for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season. This breaking news, first reported by Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star, marks a pivotal moment for the Fever as they continue to navigate a season of immense expectations and evolving team dynamics, particularly around the league’s undeniable superstar, Caitlin Clark.
DeWanna Bonner, a six-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA champion, was arguably the Fever’s biggest free-agent acquisition heading into the 2025 season. Signed to a one-year, $200,000 unprotected deal in February 2025, she was brought in to provide a much-needed veteran presence, championship experience, and consistent scoring to a young roster centered around Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. The expectation was that Bonner, at 37 years old, would be a foundational piece, likely a starter, who could help guide the team through the rigors of a WNBA season and a potential playoff push.
However, the reality of the fit appears to have fallen short of those high expectations. Bonner only played in nine games for the Fever, making just three starts. Her statistical output was modest by her standards, averaging 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 34.5 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range. More tellingly, she had been away from the team since June 12, missing five consecutive games due to “personal reasons.”
According to reports from Chloe Peterson and Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, the decision for Bonner to leave was mutual, largely initiated by Bonner herself. The fit in Indiana, it seems, was “off” from the beginning. Bonner reportedly expected to be a starter and a central figure, but after just three games, she was moved to the bench, with Lexie Hull stepping into the starting lineup. This shift in role, combined with the team’s ongoing adjustments and the overwhelming attention on Caitlin Clark, seemingly led Bonner to feel she couldn’t find a comfortable or impactful role.
Bonner subsequently requested a trade, but due to the size of her contract and the fact that the season was only 14 games deep, the Fever were unable to find a suitable trade partner. This ultimately led to her unconditional release on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. In a statement following her release, Bonner expressed gratitude to the Fever organization but acknowledged, “Despite our shared goals and excitement heading into the season, 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. I wish the Fever great success as they continue to build around this dynamic group of young play1ers.”
This move is significant for several reasons:
- Veteran Leadership Gap: While the Fever still have veteran pieces like Natasha Howard and Sydney Colson, losing Bonner, who boasts 15 years of WNBA experience and multiple championships, undoubtedly leaves a gap in veteran leadership and on-court composure, especially in high-pressure situations.
- Cap Flexibility: By waiving Bonner, whose contract was unprotected, the Fever free up valuable cap space. This financial flexibility allows them to make additional moves if needed, potentially to address any remaining roster needs, particularly in the frontcourt, which is now lighter with Bonner’s departure and Damiris Dantas away for EuroBasket.
- The “Caitlin Clark Effect” on Veterans: While not explicitly stated as the reason for Bonner’s departure, the unparalleled media scrutiny and unique team dynamic surrounding Caitlin Clark in her second WNBA season (2025) likely played a role. Veterans coming into the Fever system now must adapt not just to a new team, but to a completely different level of national attention and the pressure that comes with it. Not every player thrives in such an environment, especially if their role isn’t what they anticipated.
In the immediate aftermath of waiving Bonner, the Indiana Fever wasted no time in making a corresponding move: re-signing guard Aari McDonald. This re-signing is a testament to McDonald’s impressive, albeit brief, stint with the team earlier in the season.
McDonald, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, initially joined the Fever on an emergency hardship exception contract on June 2, 2025. This was necessitated by a rash of injuries to Fever guards, including a groin injury to Caitlin Clark, and absences from other players. In her three games with the Fever, McDonald quickly proved her value, averaging 11 points and 3 assists per game. She showcased her relentless defensive tenacity, strong leadership, and ability to push the pace, providing a much-needed spark and energy off the bench. Once the injured guards returned and the hardship exception expired, the Fever were forced to waive McDonald on June 13, by rule.
Her swift return, this time on a standard veteran’s minimum contract for the rest of the season, indicates how highly the coaching staff and front office regard her. McDonald’s fit with the team, particularly her defensive prowess and high motor, clearly resonated.
In her statement upon re-signing, McDonald expressed her excitement: “I’m so excited to rejoin the Fever. Although my time with the team was brief, it immediately felt like the place to be. I’m grateful for the warm welcome from the coaches, teammates, and fans—and most of all, I thank God for the incredible journey I’m on.” This sentiment suggests a player who is enthusiastic about her role and comfortable within the team’s existing chemistry, a stark contrast to Bonner’s experience.
The re-signing of Aari McDonald offers several benefits to the Fever:
- Defensive Spark and Energy: McDonald is known for her elite perimeter defense and brings a relentless energy that can disrupt opposing offenses. This will be invaluable for a Fever team that is still developing its defensive identity.
- Ball-Handling and Playmaking Depth: Her presence provides additional ball-handling and playmaking relief for Caitlin Clark, allowing Clark to potentially play more off-ball at times or simply lessen her burden.
- Familiarity and Chemistry: Having already played with the team, McDonald has a head start on understanding the offensive and defensive schemes and building chemistry with her teammates, including Caitlin Clark.
- Locker Room Fit: Her positive attitude and quick assimilation during her previous stint suggest she will be a strong locker room presence.
This roster shake-up, orchestrated by General Manager Amber Cox and Head Coach Stephanie White, is a clear indication that the Indiana Fever are prioritizing fit, chemistry, and specific role players as they push for a playoff spot and beyond in the 2025 season. While waiving a player of DeWanna Bonner’s caliber is never easy, the move highlights the WNBA’s competitive landscape and the continuous adjustments teams must make to find the right blend of talent, experience, and cohesion. For the Fever, this means doubling down on the youthful energy and defensive intensity that Aari McDonald brings, believing it to be a better complement to their core stars as they strive for future glory.
