Fever and Bonner Heading for a Breakup? Here’s What We Know
It looks like DeWanna Bonner’s time with the Indiana Fever may be nearing its end.
According to several league insiders, the six-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion has little interest in staying with the Fever and is already eyeing potential new teams. Sources say Bonner would prefer to land with either the Phoenix Mercury, where she spent the first decade of her career, or the up-and-coming Atlanta Dream.
Bonner’s agent, Mike Cound, declined to comment on her current situation or any future plans.
The Fever made a splash during February’s free agency window when they signed Bonner to a one-year, unprotected deal worth $200,000. She was one of the team’s marquee additions in what many called a statement offseason for Indiana. Along with Bonner, the Fever also brought in three-time WNBA champion Natasha Howard and two-time WNBA champ Sydney Colson. They also re-signed two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell, signaling a clear push for veteran leadership and postseason ambition.
But things haven’t gone according to plan.
Bonner started in the first three games of the season before head coach Christie Sides moved her to the bench in favor of third-year guard Lexie Hull. Bonner continued coming off the bench for six more games, before the team ruled her out indefinitely, citing “personal reasons.” Since then, she hasn’t returned to the lineup.
In the nine games Bonner played this season, she averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. Her final appearance came on June 10 in a game against the Atlanta Dream, where she posted five points, two rebounds, and two assists in limited minutes.
Behind the scenes, multiple sources told Front Office Sports that the chemistry just wasn’t there from the start. Though the Fever signed Bonner to bring experience, leadership, and championship DNA to a young roster led by rookies and rising stars, it quickly became clear that the fit wasn’t right. Expectations that she’d play a major role as a starter never materialized.
The Fever have remained quiet on the issue and declined to comment.
So what’s next?
At this point, Indiana has a few options—but neither comes with an ideal outcome for the franchise.
Trade Possibility Slim
While a trade is technically possible, sources indicate that it’s not the most realistic route. Cap space and contract structures make it difficult to move Bonner without taking back more salary or multiple players.
The Phoenix Mercury currently have about $88,103 in cap room, according to Spotrac, and could absorb Bonner’s salary under specific conditions. The Atlanta Dream, meanwhile, are in a tighter spot with only $23,939 in available space. Matching Bonner’s salary would require including additional players in a deal or waiting for contracts to shift closer to the midpoint of the season, when pro-rated figures are more flexible.
Even then, most players with salaries in Bonner’s range are key contributors for their teams and unlikely to be moved. Any trade would require finesse—and willing partners.
Waiver Route More Likely
The more probable path is a waiver.
Because Bonner’s contract is unprotected, the Fever could waive her at any time with minimal financial consequences. The WNBA season is approaching its midpoint, and that’s the critical threshold when unprotected contracts become fully guaranteed. If Indiana acts before that date, they’re only responsible for her prorated salary up to the moment she’s cut.
The downside for Indiana? They get little in return—just cap space. No draft picks, no players, no future assets.
If the Fever decide to waive Bonner, she’ll enter the 48-hour waiver wire. During that period, any team can claim her and take on the rest of her current contract. If no team claims her, she’ll become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team of her choosing.
In that case, teams with tighter budgets—like Phoenix—might get their wish. The veteran minimum in the WNBA is $78,831, which is well below Bonner’s current salary. The Mercury, with their $88,103 in space, could sign her outright at that minimum number without needing to make additional roster cuts or adjustments.
It’s worth noting that Bonner, 37, is nearing the twilight of her storied career. She’s had an incredible run, including two championships in Phoenix and multiple All-Star selections. For a contender looking for scoring off the bench, playoff experience, and locker room presence, Bonner could still offer plenty of value—just perhaps not in Indiana.
With tensions seemingly rising and minutes disappearing, it feels like only a matter of time before the Fever and Bonner part ways. Whether through trade or waiver, the separation seems inevitable. And while Indiana moves on to continue shaping its young core, Bonner may soon get her wish: one final run with a team chasing a title.
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