The Indiana Fever have struggled through the early part of the WNBA season despite a strong offseason, currently holding a 6-7 record and sitting third in the Eastern Conference. Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner has recently been absent from multiple games due to personal reasons, raising questions about her future with the team amid rising rumors of an exit. League insiders report that Bonner has expressed no desire to return to the Fever, with her preferred destinations reportedly being Phoenix or Atlanta.
Potential Trade or Waiver Could Determine Bonner’s Next Team
With her contract unprotected and salary considerations complicating matters, a trade seems unlikely according to Front Office Sports’ Annie Costabile. Instead, the more probable path forward for Bonner is being waived by Indiana. Doing so would allow the Fever to reduce salary commitments by paying only a prorated portion of her current veteran minimum salary. If waived, Bonner would clear waivers within 48 hours and become an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with another team.
Both the Phoenix Mercury and Atlanta Dream have enough cap space to absorb Bonner’s salary without needing to release current players, making them logical landing spots. The Mercury hold $88,103 in cap room while Atlanta has $23,939 available, compared to Bonner’s $78,831 veteran minimum salary.
Bonner’s Impact and Legacy with the Fever and WNBA
DeWanna Bonner joined Indiana on February 2, 2025, through a one-year, unprotected contract valued at $200,000, aimed at providing veteran leadership for a young roster centered around star Caitlin Clark. Her departure would create a significant void in experience and leadership for the team.
Over a 15-year career, Bonner has established herself as one of the WNBA’s elite players, capturing two championships, earning six All-Star selections, two All-WNBA honors, and multiple Sixth Woman of the Year awards. On May 17, she surpassed Tina Thompson to rank third all-time in WNBA scoring with 7,546 career points, solidifying her legacy in league history.