In a stunning and controversial midseason move, six-time WNBA All-Star Dewanna Bonner has officially parted ways with the Indiana Fever, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning her commitment, character, and motive.
The team confirmed this week that Bonner, 37, will not return to the Fever and has been officially waived following her abrupt five-game absence, originally cited as “personal reasons.” Those reasons, however, are now being viewed through a more contentious lens—centered not on personal hardship, but professional discontent.
According to team sources and widespread reporting, Bonner requested a trade after being benched just weeks into the season. Her frustration reportedly stemmed from a diminished role on the team—a role that had quickly shifted following the meteoric rise of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.
Bonner, who signed with the Fever in February, had expected to glide into a starting role and enjoy the tail end of her career with little resistance. But expectations clashed sharply with reality as Clark transformed the Fever into one of the league’s most high-profile franchises. What was once a quiet team suddenly became the epicenter of national attention and competitive pressure.
And Bonner, it seems, wasn’t ready for that.
Her performance early in the season raised eyebrows. In the first three games, she averaged just 2.6 points while shooting an abysmal 2-for-12 from the field—numbers far below what’s expected from a veteran of her caliber. When head coach Stephanie White opted to start Lexie Hull instead—a younger, more dynamic player performing at a higher level—Bonner reportedly took offense.
Rather than respond with renewed effort or embrace a mentorship role, Bonner chose to exit. She stopped attending games, requested a trade, and ultimately ghosted the franchise that had embraced her as a cornerstone of leadership.
“She couldn’t handle being on a team that actually matters,” said one Fever insider. “This isn’t just about stats. It’s about attitude and accountability.”
Her preferred trade destinations? The Phoenix Mercury—where she spent over a decade—and the Atlanta Dream. Notably, both teams have players who have publicly clashed with Clark, suggesting Bonner may be seeking refuge from the Clark-fueled spotlight rather than competitive alignment.
This development is more than a simple roster shuffle. It reflects deeper fractures within the WNBA, particularly the tension between the league’s “old guard” and a new era defined by players like Clark. The Iowa phenom has brought unprecedented attention, record-breaking viewership, and sold-out arenas—but not everyone in the league is celebrating.
“There are veterans who see Clark as a threat, not a blessing,” one former player said. “She’s forced the league to evolve. And some people just don’t want to change.”
Bonner’s critics argue that she symbolizes the resistance to that evolution—clinging to old hierarchies while resenting a rookie who quickly became the face of the league. They point to her exit not just as a failure of production, but a refusal to lead when it mattered most.
“Bonner had a chance to be the bridge between generations,” said Fever fan and analyst Trent Marshall. “Instead, she acted like someone who couldn’t accept that the game had passed her by.”
The Fever wasted no time in moving forward, re-signing guard Aari McDonald—a tenacious, high-energy player who previously joined the team on a hardship contract. In her short stint earlier this season, McDonald averaged 11 points, three assists, and two steals per game, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
“From the moment she arrived in Indy, Aari was a clear fit,” said Fever GM Amber Cox. “Her mentality and hustle align with the culture we’re building.”
McDonald, who had been waived by the Sparks in preseason, represents everything Bonner didn’t—hunger, humility, and heart. While Bonner walked away when the spotlight shifted, McDonald saw Clark’s rise as a shared opportunity, not a personal threat.
“I immediately felt like it was the place to be,” McDonald said in a statement upon rejoining the team.
As for Natasha Howard, the other veteran signed alongside Bonner in the offseason, she’s remained with the team—quietly grinding, staying present, and proving that experience and leadership don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
The contrast between Howard and Bonner couldn’t be clearer. One adapted, the other folded.
Now, with Bonner officially gone, the Fever may be better positioned to thrive. While her departure could have destabilized the locker room, it appears to have strengthened the team’s identity. No more walking on eggshells. No more ego management.
Just basketball.
And for a team trying to build a championship culture around Caitlin Clark, that’s exactly what they need.
“Let this be a message to the rest of the league,” one Fever staffer said. “If you’re not here to compete, don’t come at all.”
The Bonner saga may be over in Indiana, but its implications will linger across a league that’s still adjusting to its own rising relevance. As Clark continues to elevate the WNBA, veterans will be forced to decide—adapt, or get left behind.
Bonner chose the latter. And the Fever? They’re already moving forward.
