Bonner wants out of indiana

DeWanna Bonner’s time with the Indiana Fever looks to have ran its course.

According to multiple league sources, the two-time WNBA champion has no intention of returning to the Fever this season. Bonner, a six-time All-Star, reportedly has a strong interest in joining either the Phoenix Mercury — the team she won two titles with — or the Atlanta Dream.

Bonner started the season in the Fever’s lineup but was moved to the bench after just three games, with Lexie Hull taking over the starting shooting guard role. She appeared in nine games total, averaging 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists before being ruled out indefinitely for “personal reasons” following a June 10 matchup against the Dream, where she logged five points, two rebounds, and two assists.

Signed in February to a one-year, unprotected deal worth $200,000, Bonner was expected to provide veteran leadership and championship experience to complement Indiana’s young core. Her signing was part of an aggressive offseason for the Fever, which also included the acquisitions of Natasha Howard and Sydney Colson, as well as the re-signing of Kelsey Mitchell.

The Fever have not commented on Bonner’s status.

As for what’s next, we have to wait and see.

The more probable scenario is that Indiana waives Bonner outright. Because her contract is unprotected, the Fever would only owe her the prorated portion of her salary.

Should Bonner be waived, teams would have 48 hours to claim her. If unclaimed, she would become an unrestricted free agent. The Mercury could accommodate her without making a roster cut, should Bonner become available.

As the Fever assess their next move, one possibility could be bringing back Aari McDonald, who showed promise during her brief stint with the team. Statistically, she made a more tangible impact than Bonner this season and could provide a needed spark off the bench.