The Indiana Fever are cooking and just blindsided everyone with a bold move. Even with stars like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, the team’s sitting at an even 7-7 this season. Clearly, the front office felt it was time for a shakeup. And what they just pulled up, nobody saw this one coming. Not the insiders, not the fans. This wasn’t just a roster move; it felt like a message. So, what exactly happened? Let’s get into it.

Without warning, they waived two-time world champion DeWanna Bonner. No heads-up, no statement, no explanation. Just gone. In the same breath, the Fever announced they’ve signed guard Aari McDonald for the rest of the season. As a corresponding move, Bonner was cut loose. McDonald, who recently appeared in three games for Indiana on an emergency hardship deal, earned her spot. The former LA Sparks and Atlanta Dream guard averaged 11 points and three rebounds during that brief stretch. 

What’s raising eyebrows is the silence. No word from the front office on why this move happened or what sparked it. Fans and insiders are left guessing. On the other side of this story, Bonner’s production had noticeably dipped in Indiana. She scored in double figures just twice across nine games, averaging 7.1 points on 34.5% shooting and 3.8 rebounds. That’s a steep drop for someone fresh off a 2024 All-Star season with the Connecticut Sun. Bonner earned All-Star honors in three of the last four years and owns the WNBA record for most playoff appearances at 87. 

And let’s not forget, she’s a two-time champion. So why the sudden shakeup? Reports have been swirling for weeks that Bonner had no plans to stay with the Fever long-term. She started the first three games before Lexie Hull took her spot. Now, those rumors just become fact as the front office made it official.

Indiana made it official with a recent post on their Instagram account. The caption read, “We have signed Aari McDonald for the remainder of the season. In a corresponding move, we have waived DeWanna Bonner.” It’s clear now that Aari earned that spot. But what about Bonner? What did she have to say? Turns out, this move was her call. Bonner reportedly wanted out, and the Fever finally granted it.

DeWanna Bonner breaks her silence as Indiana’s front office stuns fans with the unexpected roster shake-up

The former Indiana Fever forward inked a one-year deal with the Fever in February and opened the season as a starter. By May 17, she’d climbed to third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list with 7,489 points, a resume truly worthy of the Hall of Fame. Still, even legends know when it’s time for a new chapter.

A recent post from Chloe Peterson, who covers the Fever, confirmed it. On Twitter, Peterson shared DeWanna Bonner’s farewell message. The post read, “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.”

This isn’t the first time a team has parted ways with a veteran to make room for new talent. Across the WNBA, franchises are betting on youth, just look at how the Connecticut Sun moved on from Tina Charles earlier this year. Bonner’s exit fits that trend, but her playoff pedigree makes her a hot commodity for contenders. So now, it’s official. DeWanna Bonner exits with grace, blessing her former squad while chasing her next step in the league.