The Indiana Fever entered the 2025 season with renewed optimism, having made significant additions like veteran forward DeWanna Bonner and promising talent Sophie Cunningham during the offseason.
The organization believed these moves would provide the veteran leadership and depth necessary for a deep playoff run, especially with rising superstar Caitlin Clark leading the charge. However, despite these calculated additions, the Fever have struggled to find their rhythm and are currently sitting at a disappointing .500 record (7-7).
Now, another shocking development is making waves as the franchise has decided to part ways with one of their prized offseason acquisitions, who they thought would transform the team.
Indiana Fever Part Ways With Veteran Forward DeWanna Bonner
In the latest post by the Indiana Fever’s official account on X, the organization revealed they are re-signing Aari McDonald while simultaneously waiving Bonner, a six-time All-Star.
McDonald was previously signed by the Fever on June 2 via emergency hardship exception as the team dealt with a wave of injuries, including setbacks to key players like Clark and Cunningham.
we have signed Aari McDonald for the remainder of the season.
in a corresponding move, we have waived DeWanna Bonner.
more info: https://t.co/0s82LC8l31 pic.twitter.com/MTMWlGXI27
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 25, 2025
While McDonald’s return is notable, it’s the simultaneous release of Bonner that has set social media ablaze. This news came just hours after a report from Front Office Sports’ Annie Costabile, who stated that Bonner had “no interest in returning to play for the Fever.”
Moreover, Costabile also reported that Bonner had been experiencing issues with her fit with the team from the start, suggesting that her integration into the Fever’s system was rocky from Day 1.
Bonner, who joined the Fever on Feb. 2, 2025, was expected to be a foundational veteran presence, especially for Clark. With her two-time champion pedigree and leadership reputation, Bonner was seen as someone who could guide a young but talented roster. In nine appearances this season, she averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise. 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,” Bonner said in an official press release, per IndyStar’s Chloe Peterson.
DeWanna Bonner, via the Fever release, on her departure from Indianapolis: pic.twitter.com/C9TEEmKgCf
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 25, 2025
In fact, Clark, who is currently averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, had praised Bonner’s leadership back in April.
“Just the way she talks and she leads, for me as a second-year point guard, I want to win for her. This is the end of her career. She deserves it,” Clark said, according to The Athletic.
On the other hand, re-signing McDonald gives the Fever a dynamic backcourt presence who’s already familiar with their system; in her brief three-game stint earlier this month, McDonald posted impressive averages of 11.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. Her aggressive perimeter defense and ability to push the pace could add a spark to the team.
