DeWanna Bonner's future with the Indiana Fever is currently shrouded in uncertainty, with reports suggesting the veteran forward may be seeking an exit from the team. Bonner has been absent from the Fever since June 10, missing several consecutive games due to what the team has described as "personal reasons."
Adding fuel to the fire, reports have surfaced indicating that Bonner has "no interest" in returning to play for the Fever. Sources suggest that Bonner's preferred destinations would be the Phoenix Mercury, where she spent the first ten seasons of her WNBA career, or the Atlanta Dream.
Several factors may have contributed to Bonner's apparent desire to leave Indiana. Multiple sources suggest that the fit between Bonner and the Fever was "off" from the beginning. Bonner, a six-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion, was expected to be a key anchor for the team's young core, bringing championship experience and veteran leadership. However, she started only three games before being moved to a bench role.
Bonner's reduced role may have been a point of contention. Throughout her career, she has been a consistent starter, and the shift to coming off the bench may not have aligned with her expectations. Her minutes also decreased significantly compared to her previous season with the Connecticut Sun.
In the nine games she played for the Fever, Bonner averaged career lows in points (7.1) and rebounds (3.8), a stark contrast to her performance last season, where she averaged 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. This decline in production, coupled with the change in her role, may have led to dissatisfaction and a desire for a fresh start.
The Fever signed Bonner to a one-year, $200,000 contract in February, hoping she would be a significant contributor to their quest for a playoff berth. However, her absence and reported desire to leave have created a challenging situation for the team.
The Fever have publicly expressed support for Bonner during her absence. Coach Stephanie White has stated that Bonner is "doing well" and that the team is giving her the time and space she needs. However, the recent reports of Bonner's desire to leave suggest a more complex situation behind the scenes.
If Bonner does not return to the Fever, the team will need to find ways to fill the void left by her absence. While her on-court performance had been underwhelming, her veteran presence and leadership were expected to be valuable assets. In her absence, the Fever have gone 2-2, and her leadership could have been useful in some of those close games.
The most likely scenario for Bonner's departure appears to be a waiver. Because she is on an unprotected contract, the Fever could waive her and only be responsible for her prorated salary. This would give Bonner the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent and sign with the team of her choice. A trade is considered less likely due to cap space issues with the Mercury and Dream.