When the Fever front office brought in HC Stephanie White in the offseason, the Indiana fans couldn’t have thought of anything else better happening. The former Connecticut Sun HC wouldn’t just elevate the young Fever core, but guide them to be a defensive team, an aspect they stood amongst the worst last season. But just then, she brought in a veteran pillar of leadership in the name of DeWanna Bonner from her former team on a near-max $200/one-year contract. And as Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo put it, “Adding DeWanna Bonner makes Indiana a title contender.” But just three games into the season, something felt odd. Let us go through it all:

• Three games in: DeWanna Bonner was benched in favor of guard Lexie Hull to be in the starting lineup.
• The missed games: After playing a total of only 9 games with Indiana, Bonner did not appear with the team, stating “personal reasons.”
• Removing Indiana from social media: Bonner currently only has a couple of videos in the Fever jersey, only to point out a milestone like the free throw when she became the third all-time scoring leader in the league.
• Fever secretly moving on: Although not exactly a discrete move, but the Fever removed her from their banner wall inside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
• Bonner’s agent kept it shush: Agent Mike Cound, too, did not speak to ESPN on the situation last Tuesday when they wanted to discuss the situation.
• Dropping the bomb: Before Indiana’s Seattle Storm road game, FOS’ Annie Costabile revealed, “According to multiple league sources, the Indiana Fever and DeWanna Bonner are headed for a breakup.”
• Making the decision: Yesterday, the Fever revealed that they have waived Bonner, who “does not intend to return to Indiana” and would rather prefer Atlanta or Phoenix as her next stop.

The entire roller coaster ride certainly raised eyebrows and made the basketball world gasp as they saw it all unravel. But Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon, with a sly smile, promises she saw the signs coming very early on.

During the press conference ahead of their game against the Connecticut Sun, Bonner’s former team, a reporter asked Hammon, “The Fever announced today that they’re waiving DB. What’s your reaction to that type of news because it kind of hit the WNBA by a storm?”

Giving the signature Hammon smile, she said, “I knew a little bit about it before—didn’t hit me by storm. Players and organizations, I mean, you know, that’s what when you go out and get a free… You know, she was with Steph in Connecticut too, so I know they have a pretty solid relationship. But for whatever reason, things don’t work out and, um, you know, now there’s like a DB sweepstakes.”

For the last 5 games, Bonner hasn’t been with the team, due to undisclosed personal reasons. But now, things are a lot clearer. Apparently, she no longer wanted to be part of the Fever roster. She felt the fit wasn’t right. According to Chloe Peterson of the IndyStar, the Fever actively explored trade options for the veteran forward, but no suitable trade could be materialized. Waiving her became the only option left. Let’s break it down:

The veteran entered Indiana at a $200K/ 1-year unprotected deal in February. Having played nine games, the Fever did not owe her the entire salary since it has not been half season yet. Now, in the two spots she wants, Phoenix has just $88K in cap space but can still try to get her in. However, Atlanta with less than $24K cannot. Seemingly, no suitor was available, and the only option left was waiving her.

Now, given the situation, Hammon not being surprised by the news does make some sense. It’s very likely that the Fever explored every possible trade route. That could also include making calls to the Aces front office to negotiate a trade who are already not exactly in their best forms yet and could always use A’ja Wilson’s substitute and a defensive anchor.

It’s a bittersweet ending to what once looked like a promising chapter. Fever fans were excited about the idea of DeWanna Bonner mentoring Indiana’s young core, but it wasn’t meant to be. It is rumored that Bonner will likely join the Phoenix Mercury to link up with her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas. And while the departure was anything but smooth, Bonner did express her gratitude to the organization.

DeWanna Bonner thanks the Indiana Fever for the opportunity

Earlier this year, Bonner had decided to leave the Connecticut Sun in the pursuit of another championship. That brought her to Indiana, alongside her HC White. Fresh off a playoff run where she and the Sun notably shut Caitlin Clark and Co. down, the expectations were sky high, but it lasted only 9 games. The Fever did not thank the player yet, nonetheless, Bonner took time out to thank the organization.

“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. I wish the Fever great success as they continue to build around this dynamic group of young players.”

Taking DeWanna Bonner’s place is a familiar face. Yes, Aari McDonald is back! She earned plenty of praise during her earlier stint with the Fever when Caitlin Clark was out injured. Her return is definitely a big boost for the Fever. But is she the missing piece that will help the Fever make a deep playoff run? That remains to be seen!