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The Indiana Fever announced Wednesday that they have waived veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, who signed a high-profile single-year contract during the offseason and was supposed to be a key piece in the team’s ability to contend for an WNBA title.
According to a press release from the Fever, Bonner, a six-time WNBA All-Star and the third-leading scorer in league history, said she wanted to move on because she didn’t “fit” with the team.
The 6-foot-4 Bonner, 37, has missed the Fever’s last five games for “personal reasons” after playing in the first nine. She averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in those games, well below her career averages of 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Bonner played her last five seasons in Connecticut after 10 years in Phoenix.
Bonner averaged double-figures scoring in each of her seasons in the WNBA and has been a full-time starter since 2012. She only started in three of the nine Indiana games she played in.
Bonner will be on waivers for 48 hours, which allows teams to pick her up and assume the remainder of her $200,000 contract. If no one signs her, she’ll become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team for the prorated veteran minimum.
“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise,” Bonner said in written comments in a press release from the Fever. “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 players.”
To fill the roster spot, Fever signed guard Aari McDonald, who previously played in three games with the Fever via the WBNA’s emergency hardship exception. McDonald averaged 11 points, 3 assists and 2 steals per game in those three games.
McDonald, a 26-year-old guard, previously played for the Los Angeles Sparks and Atlanta Dream, averaging 8.6 points per game, 2.8 assists per game, and 2 rebounds per game over four seasons.
“I’m so excited to rejoin the Fever. Although my time with the team was brief, it immediately felt like the place to be,” McDonald said in written remarks. “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.”
Fever Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Amber Cox praised the way McDonald played during her emergency stint with the team, which came when Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham were injured.
“From the moment she arrived in Indy, Aari was a clear fit with the style and mentality we are building here with the Fever,” she said. “Though only here a few games, her impact as a playmaker and a defender was evident. We are very excited to welcome her back for the remainder of the season.”
The Fever (7-7) host the Sparks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. Thursday.
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…and was supposed to be a key piece in the team’s ability to contend for a *WNBA title.
Fever got 0 from her. Look like a player that should have retired.
Really hate to see her go, but wish her nothing but the best. Sometimes things just don’t work out. Think Lexie taking the starting position a few weeks ago didn’t sit right with her. I’m sure that change wasn’t an easy decision for Steph, but believe she made the right decision. Go Fever!
I was surprised when she actually came here, and figured it was her resting stop before retirement. Her laurels ran out when she had to compete for the position. Youth and strength are the new Fever!
Wish her nothing but the worst!