“Every time we have a game, DB is hitting another milestone…remarkable consistency.” Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has always been in awe of DeWanna Bonner’s impeccable performances. However, personal reasons clearly became a liability for a franchise that had its eyes set on the prize. After Bonner’s absence and hung heavy for the Indiana Fever, they decided to giver her a break after all. In one of the most shocking moves of the season, the team decided to waive Bonner in exchange of Aari McDonald.
After missing 5 straight games this season, fans were wondering Bonner’s fate in the team. But things got serious when her poster went missing on the Gainbridge Fieldhouse arena. Meanwhile, Indiana Fever’s official social media account confirmed the news. They shared a poster of Aari McDonald on Instagram, with the caption, “We have signed Aari McDonald for the remainder of the season. In a corresponding move, we have waived DeWanna Bonner.”
If the disrespect wasn’t enough, the account added a small line at the end, notifying fans and followers about the 2x champion’s exit. Amidst all the chaos surrounding the player, Bonner broke her silence 22 hours after being waived off. She shared a carousal of three photographs on Instagram and wrote, “A QUITTER!! Nah never been that!! But when the time comes…“Let’s just make sure the apologies, are just as loud as the disrespect!! “ IN DUE TIME .. DB.”
Bonner addressed the sudden departure on through the cryptic message. She cleared her name and appealed the Indian Fever to publicly apologize after breaking the news of her waive off. The seven foot veteran has significantly contributed to the team. Bonner averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists with an FG% less than 40% during her tenure under Fever.
Moreover, thanks to Caitlin Clark and other teammates, the 15-season vet created history with a career-high of 7489 points. She surpassed Tina Thompson to clinch third place in the All-Time Scorer’s list in her debut 2025 regular season game with the Indiana Fever. Having said that, the 37-year old player joined Fever on a one-year contract and immediately added a front-court depth to the roster.
Despite every effort from both quarters, the team and the player failed to make things work. And what followed was a mutual fall-out at best. “Despite our shared goals and excitement heading into the season, I felt the fit did not work out..,” Bonner had said. “I appreciate the organization’s willingness to grant my request to move on.“
While Bonner’s statement reflects a professional parting, her Instagram post suggests she felt the Fever’s announcement, a brief note in McDonald’s signing post, lacked the gratitude her tenure deserved, fueling her call for louder apologies
And while both parties accepted their fate, it will be exciting to watch the dynamics shift with McDonald’s re-entry in the roster.
Stephanie White cannot get over Aari McDonald
“Aari was terrific.” Known for her blatant remarks on the smallest of errors, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White surprised everyone with the remark. In a rare turn of events, White acknowledged Aari McDonald’s efforts after her first game against the Washington Mystics.
Jun 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Aari McDonald (2) celebrates during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smth- INDIANAPOLIS STAR-Imagn Images
After all, it was the first time that the team had won a game in Caitlin Clark’s absence this season. Despite contributing an average of 11 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per 3 games under the Fever, the point guard was destined to leave once Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham re-joined the active roster.
“She came in ready to go,” White said about Aari. “She had watched such a large amount of film just on her flight in here, that you could already tell her high IQ. She’s a dawg.” The head coach said her final goodbye with words of appreciation for McDonald.
The player had successfully lifted the locker room spirits after Clark was sidelined owing to a left quad injury. She immediately jumped off the bench and set the rhythm and pace for the team. She contributed a back-court depth with a three-pointer streak, assists to Kelsey Mitchell, or through her flawless defences.
Now, the Indiana Fever seems unstoppable with McDonald’s return on the roster. With an average of 11 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 3 assists within three games with the team, McDonald is a promising athlete who, when coupled with Clark and Mitchell, can set the ball rolling in the Fever’s belt and propel them towards an aspirational title win this season.
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