Phoenix HC’s 3-Word Reaction to DeWanna Bonner Announcement Sends Shockwaves Through WNBA Community

It has been a dramatic season for the Indiana Fever, to say the least. This drama started in the opening game itself when Caitlin Clark decided to knock Angel Reese with a flagrant foul as she reacted aggressively to be back up on her face. Then there was the refereeing controversy as Stephanie White publicly spoke out against the injustice against their side. And who can forget that Connecticut Sun game when Clark was knocked to the floor a couple of times, and Sophie Cunningham took matters into her own hands, starting a brawl which led to three people being kicked out of the game. But something else overshadowed it all.

Yep, the DeWanna Bonner drama. She was missing from the squad for multiple games for personal reasons, and the franchise was awfully quiet on her status. After some speculation, she reportedly requested a trade, but the Fever weren’t waiting around. They released her to sign Aari McDonald, who had impressed while on an emergency contract. According to reports, Bonner wasn’t happy with the situation and wanted to be back at Mercury. 

This speculation led to reporters asking the Phoenix Mercury coach, Nate Tibbets, point-blank about the Bonner situation. He sheepishly replied, “Who is that?” Tibbetts further said, “I have no comment on this at the moment.” Tibbetts was possibly joking, for he might not have wanted to add fuel to the fire.

However, behind the scenes, they are set to sign Bonner according to ESPN’s Michael Voepel “in the coming days,” and her appearance at the Mercury’s home game against the Dallas Wings on Monday, July 7, only added credibility to the report. His comment has sparked divided opinions across the WNBA community. While some view it as a lighthearted joke, others interpret it as disrespectful and dismissive.

WNBA Fans Split Over Phoenix HC’s Remark About Potential DeWanna Bonner Signing

“A quitter!! Nah never been that!”, a fiery DeWanna Bonner wrote on the fan allegations that she left Indiana because things got tough. Along with that, she also silenced the ‘retirement’ rumors floating around as she showed intensity to continue proving herself, even at the age of 37. The Phoenix Mercury was the favorable destination for her, and the coach was holding the cards to his chest regarding that signing. He refused to comment and defused the tension with that unserious comment, but it has elicited some divided response from WNBA fans.

One fan found the ongoings shady: “Nahhh bro Cathy gotta investigate this bs. He was in on this crap too.” Another wrote, “He really doesn’t know who DeWanna Bonner is?” These reactions echo either genuine disbelief at the coach’s apparent lack of awareness or sharp sarcasm aimed at what many see as a disrespectful comment. Bonner isn’t just any player. She was the No. 5 overall pick by the Mercury in the 2009 WNBA Draft and went on to become one of the franchise’s most decorated stars. Over 10 seasons in Phoenix, she won two WNBA championships in 2009 and 2014, earned three All-Star selections in 2015, 2018, and 2019, and took home the Sixth Woman of the Year award three straight times from 2009 to 2011. Her legacy in the city is undeniable, which makes the “Who’s she?” comment land more like a slap than a joke. Depends on the perspective. 

“League is so unserious for no reason,” wrote another fan, reflecting the frustration among some in the WNBA community. On the other hand, the coach’s remark seemed like a calculated move to defuse the tension in the room. His comment drew laughs from reporters and effectively shut down any follow-up questions about the Bonner situation.

It was clear he had no interest in discussing the topic further and offering a direct response at that moment could have placed him in a difficult position. He later declined to comment altogether. With controversy already swirling around Bonner and the Mercury, the coach’s lighthearted approach helped lower the temperature and shift the focus away from escalating drama, so it wasn’t exactly for no reason as the fan said. 

Another fan chimed in: “We know they gonna sign her it was her plan all along.” Reportedly, Bonner requested a trade, but she had no takers at the time. The situation seems to have changed, and the player has waited to reunite with her fiancée, Allysa Thomas. The reasons behind her dissatisfaction with Fever are unknown. According to reports, “Bonner requested a trade after feeling she couldn’t find a role on the team.” Bonner wanted to be a starter, but the unexpected emergence of Lexie Hull overshadowed her presence. Hull has been a find for them, giving options from beyond the arc while also contributing more than Bonner, as she started only 3 games out of the 9. Her history in Phoenix gives her a better opportunity to make the starting lineup. 

Yet another user commented: “Can you imagine being the player they would have to cut? I’d be PISSED. Shady business.” The Mercury will need to part ways with one of their current players to make room for DeWanna Bonner, a move that was never part of their original plans since no one expected this sudden shift. With the team currently at 13 wins and 6 losses and sitting second in the conference, the roster has been performing well, and each player has earned the trust of the organization. Now, one of them is likely to lose their spot not because of poor play but simply because Bonner wants to return. It is a difficult situation that feels unfair to the player who will be cut and could potentially disrupt the chemistry in the locker room.

Ultimately, the decision rests with Mercury management, and current reports suggest that Bonner is likely to rejoin the team soon. Whether that move proves to be a success or not remains to be seen. While the coach’s cheeky remark stirred up strong reactions across the community, it may have simply been a lighthearted comment that was misunderstood amid heightened emotions.