It was the kind of “first” no player ever wants. When Aari McDonald was taken third overall by the Atlanta Dream, she never imagined that just a few years later, she’d be waived before a new season even began. But ahead of the 2025 opener, that’s exactly what happened. The Los Angeles Sparks made their final roster cuts, and Aari was on the outside looking in. She packed her things, moved back in with her parents, and spent her days living out of a suitcase. Still, she never stopped believing. She stayed in the gym and told herself every single day, “You never know when you’ll get the call.” And then… the call came. Not just any call, but the perfect one
When McDonald got the call in early June, she didn’t wait around. Within 24 hours, she was in Indianapolis, suiting up for the Indiana Fever on an emergency hardship contract. Injuries to Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham had left the team below the CBA-mandated minimum of 10 available players, and McDonald was the solution.
But just as quickly as she arrived, she was gone. Once Clark and Cunningham were cleared to return, McDonald’s contract was terminated as per the league’s collective bargaining agreement rules. Even though she made an impression on the court and blended in effortlessly with the team, there was nothing the Fever could do but wait… unless injuries hit again.
So what did McDonald do? She waited too. That patience turned out to be a golden decision.
For the FIRST TIME in franchise history, the @indianafever are your 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Champions!
Commissioner’s Cup presented by @coinbase #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/B5XahgztU5
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 2, 2025
Fast forward a few weeks and Indiana is celebrating a Commissioner’s Cup title.
That win came with a hefty bonus: a $500,000 prize pool, plus $120,000 in cryptocurrency from Coinbase. Since McDonald was back on the roster just in time and played a key role in the championship game – dropping 12 points in the 74–59 win – she’s walking away with an estimated bonus between $41,500 and $46,000.
The same money that could’ve gone to DeWanna Bonner. The veteran forward started the season with the Fever but never quite found her rhythm. Sources say she never really felt like it was the right fit. The team tried different lineups, even bringing her off the bench and starting Lexie Hull instead, but it wasn’t working.
Eventually, Bonner requested a trade, but given her contract size and the timing p just 14 games into the season 0 Indiana couldn’t find a deal. So, they waived her. And McDonald was ready. After her hardship stint, she’d had other offers. She even told Fever GM Amber Cox that she was keeping her options open. But deep down, she felt like Indy was the place she belonged.
“Of course, I will love to be here, but I’m gonna explore just to see what the other teams are talking about,” McDonald said. “But in the back of my mind, I just knew this was the place to be.” It really was. Not only is she back for the rest of the season, but now she’s also a Commissioner’s Cup champ with a shiny bonus check to show for it.
Meanwhile, if rumors are true, Bonner might be in for a reunion potentially brewing elsewhere.
Will Phoenix gamble on a DeWanna Bonner reunion?
With the WNBA’s midseason roster cut-down deadline set for July 13, teams are eyeing final moves and veteran DeWanna Bonner just became one of the most intriguing options on the board. After being waived by the Indiana Fever, the 37-year-old forward is now available on a veteran minimum deal worth $78,831 for the rest of the season. And even in her 17th year, Bonner’s resume shines.
Originally signed by the Fever on a one-year, $200,000 unprotected contract, Bonner never quite settled into a rhythm in Indiana. Now, title contenders could come calling and guess who’s rumored to be on the list? Her old team, the Phoenix Mercury. Phoenix fans know this story well. Drafted by the Mercury in 2009, Bonner spent her first decade in the league in Arizona, where she helped lead the team to championships in 2009 and 2014. But she left in 2020 via a sign-and-trade.
Also, this could bring her and partner Alyssa Thomas together- again. But while a reunion sounds like a fairytale ending, some fans are unsure if it’s the right move now. Why? Becasue there’s also another name in the mix: Emma Meesseman. The 2019 Finals MVP has wrapped up her overseas commitments and is reportedly exploring a WNBA return. She brings a very different skill set, too. Though there’s no official word yet. Along with that, it could disrupt their roster (or starting lineup), which has been pretty successful until now.
Chicago, USA, June 7, 2025: DeWanna Bonner 25 Indiana Fever is seen during the game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever on Saturday June 7, 2025 at the United Center, Chicago, USA. NO COMMERCIAL USAGE Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xShainaxBenhiyoun/SPPx spp-en-ShBe-8P6A2371
So, should Phoenix lean into nostalgia or bet on fresh legs? Bonner may want a homecoming, but with limited cap space and a tight playoff race, the Mercury will have to decide if the timing and fit s still right.
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