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The Indiana Fever have waived veteran guard/forward DeWanna Bonner, one of their major free agent signings during the off-season. Bonner had missed five games due to personal reasons, and her departure was confirmed by the team.
In a statement, Bonner expressed gratitude to the organization and explained her decision. "I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the franchise," she said. "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. I wish the Fever great success as they continue to build around this dynamic group of young players."
Bonner, 37, is nearing the end of a storied WNBA career. She averaged double figures in scoring during each of her previous 15 seasons and had been a full-time starter since 2012. However, in her brief stint with Indiana, she started just three of the nine games she played in and averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. Sources told ESPN that Bonner had begun contemplating retirement but chose to part ways with the Fever to explore other options.
Her release allows other teams 48 hours to claim her off waivers and take on her remaining $200,000 salary. If unclaimed, Bonner will become a free agent and could sign for the veteran minimum. One of her preferred destinations is reportedly Phoenix, where she began her career in 2009, won two championships, and played 10 seasons before spending five years with Connecticut.
To fill the roster spot, the Fever have signed guard Aari McDonald for the rest of the season. McDonald had previously joined the team under an injury hardship contract and impressed during her short stint. In three games, she averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals.
"I'm so excited to rejoin the Fever," said McDonald, 26. "Although my time with the team was brief, it immediately felt like the place to be."
General manager Amber Cox praised McDonald’s fit with the team’s vision, citing her playmaking and defensive presence. "We are very excited to welcome her back for the remainder of the season," Cox said.
Bonner, 37, is nearing the end of a storied WNBA career. She averaged double figures in scoring during each of her previous 15 seasons and had been a full-time starter since 2012. However, in her brief stint with Indiana, she started just three of the nine games she played in and averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. Sources told ESPN that Bonner had begun contemplating retirement but chose to part ways with the Fever to explore other options.
Her release allows other teams 48 hours to claim her off waivers and take on her remaining $200,000 salary. If unclaimed, Bonner will become a free agent and could sign for the veteran minimum. One of her preferred destinations is reportedly Phoenix, where she began her career in 2009, won two championships, and played 10 seasons before spending five years with Connecticut.
To fill the roster spot, the Fever have signed guard Aari McDonald for the rest of the season. McDonald had previously joined the team under an injury hardship contract and impressed during her short stint. In three games, she averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals.
"I'm so excited to rejoin the Fever," said McDonald, 26. "Although my time with the team was brief, it immediately felt like the place to be."
General manager Amber Cox praised McDonald’s fit with the team’s vision, citing her playmaking and defensive presence. "We are very excited to welcome her back for the remainder of the season," Cox said.