DeWanna Bonner Exits Fever, Aari McDonald Returns; Damiris Dantas Joins Brazil for International Play
DeWanna Bonner’s time with the Indiana Fever has officially come to an end. After signing with the team just four months ago, the veteran forward requested her release due to an incompatible fit, and the Fever obliged.
Bonner last appeared for Indiana during a Commissioner’s Cup matchup on June 10 against the Atlanta Dream, where she contributed five points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 20 minutes. Following that game, she stepped away from the team for what was initially described as “personal reasons.” The situation remained unclear until recently, when Bonner publicly confirmed her departure.
“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity,” Bonner said in a statement. “Despite our mutual hopes at the start of the season, the fit wasn’t right. I’m grateful they allowed me to move on at this point in my career.”
Although Bonner opened the season in the starting lineup, she struggled to make an impact early, scoring just eight points in her first three games. She was soon replaced by Lexie Hull and only appeared in nine total games before stepping away. Her brief tenure was marked by mixed results despite her legacy as the WNBA’s third all-time leading scorer. Bonner had expressed excitement about playing in front of large crowds and mentoring a young Fever squad, but head coach Stephanie White noted there had been limited dialogue in recent weeks.
Bonner signed a one-year, unprotected contract worth $200,000, which means Indiana is only responsible for the portion she served. Due to salary cap limitations, trading her wasn’t practical, so waiving her provided the team with both cap relief and an open roster spot.
That vacancy was immediately filled by guard Aari McDonald, who returns to Indiana on a rest-of-season contract. McDonald previously played with the Fever under a hardship exemption and made an impression in her short stint—especially in a June 3 win against Washington, where she tallied seven points, five assists, and three steals without a turnover in 28 minutes.
“I’m thrilled to be back,” said McDonald. “From day one, it felt like home.”
General Manager Amber Cox praised McDonald’s impact, calling her a perfect fit for the team’s direction. Meanwhile, forward Damiris Dantas will depart to represent Brazil in international competition.
Leave a Reply