The Fever's decision to waive DeWanna Bonner this week seemed to be inevitable: after being signed to the team to much fanfare earlier this year, it became apparent that Bonner and the Fever were not compatible, and the two-time WNBA champion stopped playing games for the team after their June 10 loss to the Dream. But that doesn't mean that Bonner isn't still wildly talented — and the steps she's taken since being waived just might be smarter than most fans realize.
Almost as quickly as the news was announced, Bonner's camp put out notice that teams in the league should not be tempted to sign her off waivers — a step meant to stop teams that have an abundance of cap space, like the Mystics, Valkyries, and the Sun, from signing her outright just because they can. While Bonner has also made it clear she'd like to go to the Mercury or the Dream, warning other teams against signing her outright will give her ultimate control over where she ends up.
In the end, it seems like Bonner played her cards well. She's now off waivers, which means she's in control of where she goes and under what terms. And while no one has shared what teams she is or isn't speaking to, it's likely there are at least a few in the mix.
The DeWanna Bonner/Indiana Fever situation got messy
While neither camp has directly come out and explained what went wrong, things between Bonner and the Fever appeared to devolve quickly after each camp released an initial statement. The Fever's head coach Stephanie White told reporters this week she was "disappointed" by Bonner's decision, and on Thursday Bonner fired back at (presumed) social media posts that have suggested she quit on the team.
"A QUITTER!! Nah never been that!!" Bonner wrote on Instagram. "But when the time comes…'Let’s just make sure the apologies, are just as loud as the disrespect!!'"
DeWanna Bonner has a bright career in the WNBA
If she wants it, Bonner still has plenty of options in the WNBA. As Aces head coach Becky Hammon put it while speaking with reporters June 26, "Now there's like a DB sweepstakes."
Bonner's potential teammates on the Mercury have also made it clear they aren't concerned about any potential disruptions to team chemistry if she joins the squad. While speaking to reporters during practice on June 25, guard Monique Akoa Makani shut down the idea that adding Bonner to the roster would negatively impact the Mercury.
Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani said she’s not worried about the Mercury’s chemistry changing if they sign DeWanna Bonner.
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) June 25, 2025
“Whoever has to come in is going to fit anyways, so I’m not scared about that.”#WNBA pic.twitter.com/Y9p5NZjf2I
"I feel like the coaching staff and every individual in here have made the effort every day to strengthen the team’s chemistry,” Makani explained. “Whoever has to come in is going to fit anyways, so I’m not scared about that.”
The Mercury's positionless style of basketball this season is also a factor that works in Bonner's favor. While the team is strong at the 3 with Satou Sabally and Kitija Laksa, Bonner can easily play the 2, 3, or 4, and could come off the bench for Sabally, Kahleah Copper, or her partner, Alyssa Thomas.
One question mark hangs over Bonner's head
Outside of where she will end up, the only real unknown is whether or not Bonner is open to coming off the bench, or if she wants to start at her new team. Coming into the Mercury at this point in the season and expecting to get a lot of clock isn't a huge ask — no one on the team has cracked 30 minutes a game so far this season, and that's by design — but there are other teams (like the Liberty) who could give Bonner more time (at least for a while).
The Aces are also another team where Bonner could immediately start and thrive while doing so (and based on what Hammon said, it's probable the team has made her an offer). Bonner could have a strong impact on the team, who have struggled this season.