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DeWanna Bonner update: Indiana Fever waive star forward, sign Aari McDonald for rest of season

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz06/25/25NickSchultz_7

The Indiana Fever waived star forward DeWanna Bonner, the franchise announced Wednesday. In a corresponding move, Indiana signed Aari McDonald for the rest of the season.

Bonner signed with the Fever this past offseason after five years with the Connecticut Sun, where she played for current Indiana coach Stephanie White. She arrived in Indianapolis as one of the most decorated players in the WNBA, winning two championships and making six All-Star Games during her time with the Sun and Phoenix Mercury.

Bonner signed a one-year contract with the Fever this offseason as one of the team’s most notable additions, but missed the last five games due to what the team called personal reasons. In a statement after Indiana waived her, the former Auburn star said the situation simply “did not work out.”

“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise,” Bonner said. “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. I wish the Fever great success as they continue to build around this dynamic group of young players.”

Front Office Sports’ Annie Costabile reported Bonner didn’t have interest in playing for the Fever anymore this year and was seeking a change of scenery. FOS also reported Bonner’s preferred destinations could include the Atlanta Dream or a return to the Mercury.

Indiana then worked to find trade partners, but to no avail. That eventually led to the decision to waive Bonner after nine games, including three starts. During that time, she averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

The Mercury drafted DeWanna Bonner as the No. 5 overall pick in 2009 out of Auburn, and she played with the franchise until 2019. In 2012, she became a full-time starter and moved up to third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list earlier this year, trailing only Diana Taurasi and Tina Charles.

The Fever currently have a 7-7 in Caitlin Clark’s second year in the WNBA after going No. 1 overall in last year’s draft. Indiana went to work revamping the roster around her this offseason, notably bringing in Sophie Cunningham and Natasha Howard to join Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell on the roster.