The Indiana Fever captured its seventh win of the season after defeating the Seattle Storm 94-86 on June 24. However, the franchise may lose its six-time All-Star, who reportedly wants to leave Indiana.
Front Office Sports’ Annie Costabile reported on June 24 that Fever forward DeWanna Bonner’s days with the team could be coming to an end.
“According to multiple league sources, the two-time WNBA champion has no interest in returning to play for the Fever,” wrote Costabile.
Indiana’s Blockbuster offseason
After reaching the playoffs last season for the first time since the 2016 season, the Fever spent the offseason bolstering their roster. The franchise signed Natasha Howard, DeWanna Bonner, and Sydney Colson during the offseason.
Not to mention, Indiana traded for sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham, who spent her first six seasons with the Mercury. Bonner signed a 1-year $200,000 deal in the offseason, but her role with the team has changed throughout the season.
The two-time WNBA champion was arguably one of the biggest additions to the team this offseason. She started three out of the nine games that she has played this season, averaging a low 21.3 minutes per game, which is tied with her rookie season.
Bonner hasn’t suited up for the Fever since the team’s June 10 matchup against the Atlanta Dream. Since her last game, she has been ruled out by the team due to “personal reasons,” per Front Office Sports.
Currently, Bonner is averaging 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 36% from three.
Next Steps
Front Office Sports spoke on the issue of Bonner’s fit with the team this season. “Multiple sources told Front Office Sports that the fit in Indiana was “off” from the beginning,” wrote Costabile.
“Bonner– who was signed to be an anchor with the championship experience for the team’s young core– was expected to be a starter. The Fever declined to comment.”
Indiana could find a team that has the cap and roster space to trade for Bonner. Needless to say, a trade may be unlikely which could result in the franchise waiving the veteran.
“The first, although unlikely according to multiple sources, is a trade,” wrote Costabile. “The Mercury have $88,103 in cap space according to Spotrac, and the Dream have $23,939.”
“Considering most players with salaries comparable to Bonner’s will likely be off limits in a trade, a package could end up including more than one player to clear enough space. However, the more likely scenario, which does little to benefit the Fever is waiving her. Because Bonner is on an unprotected contract, the Fever could waive Bonner and only be responsible for her prorated salary,” wrote Costabile.
“At the midpoint of the WNBA season is when unprotected contracts become fully guaranteed. The only thing the Fever stands to gain in this scenario is cap space.”
A Veteran’s Dream or Mercury
According to multiple reports, Bonner’s preferred destination is the Dream or Phoenix Mercury. However, being traded to either may not be an easy process.
If the Fever waives the former Connecticut Sun forward, teams will have 48 hours to claim her off waivers. The current league minimum in the WNBA is $78,831 which could allow some teams to sign her.
Indiana is currently 7-7 on the season and will take on the Los Angeles Sparks on June 26.
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