Fever waive DeWanna Bonner, sign Aari McDonald

Field Level Media|published: Wed 25th June, 11:53 2025

Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) celebrates a 3-pointer Tuesday, June 3, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The Indiana Fever waived six-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion forward DeWanna Bonner on Wednesday.

In a corresponding transaction, the Fever (7-7) re-signed guard Aari McDonald for the rest of the 2025 season.

Bonner, 37, had requested a trade after struggling to find her role in her first season with the team, but the Fever could not find a partner, the Indianapolis Star reported.

Bonner, a three-time Sixth Woman of the Year, ranks third in WNBA history in games (511) and points (7,546) and is eighth in rebounds (3,101).

Bonner sat out the Fever's last five games and is averaging a career-low 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in nine games (three starts) in her 16th WNBA season.

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

McDonald, 26, played in three games for Indiana from June 3-10 while superstar guard Caitlin Clark was sidelined with a left quadriceps strain. She averaged 11.0 points and 3.0 assists in 25.3 minutes off the bench before she was released by the Fever on June 13.

"I'm so excited to rejoin the Fever. Although my time with the team was brief, it immediately felt like the place to be," McDonald said. "I'm grateful for the warm welcome from the coaches, teammates, and fans -- and most of all, I thank God for the incredible journey I'm on."

Drafted No. 3 overall by Atlanta in 2021, McDonald has career averages of 8.7 points, 2.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 119 games (29 starts) with the Dream (2021-23), Los Angeles Sparks (2024) and Fever.

Bonner made her sixth All-Star team last season with the Connecticut Sun, averaging 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in 40 games (39 starts).

She has career averages of 14.8 points and 6.1 boards in 511 games (402 starts) with the Phoenix Mercury (2009-16, 2018-19), Sun (2020-24) and Fever. She won championships with Phoenix in 2009 and 2014.

--Field Level Media

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