BREAKING: The Indiana Fever are waiving WNBA veteran DeWanna Bonner and will re-sign Aari McDonald, per Chloe Peterson. The decision, while surprising on the surface, signals a bold and strategic move by the Fever front office as they continue reshaping their roster during a season where expectations have soared and the team is looking to sharpen its identity both on and off the court.
DeWanna Bonner, one of the most respected and accomplished players in the WNBA, has been a symbol of consistency, leadership, and elite performance for over a decade. Her resume speaks volumes—two-time WNBA Champion, five-time All-Star, and one of the few players in league history to eclipse 6,000 career points. Her presence on the court has always brought a sense of poise and maturity, attributes that make her departure from Indiana all the more shocking to the basketball community. Bonner, who has spent the majority of her career with the Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun, was expected to bring not just skill but also veteran guidance to a young Fever squad that has been rebuilding its foundation around rising stars like Aliyah Boston, NaLyssa Smith, and Caitlin Clark.
The decision to waive Bonner may not have been performance-related alone. While she continues to be productive, the WNBA’s roster and salary cap constraints often force difficult choices. At 36 years old and likely commanding a veteran salary, Bonner’s contract could have limited the team’s flexibility to make midseason adjustments or accommodate new player needs. Her minutes, while still impactful, had seen some fluctuation this season, raising questions about her long-term fit in a system rapidly being redefined by speed, youth, and perimeter-focused play.
Enter Aari McDonald. The re-signing of the dynamic guard sends a clear message: the Fever are doubling down on athleticism, tempo, and defensive aggression. McDonald, known for her blazing speed, relentless motor, and ability to pressure opposing ball handlers full-court, brings a different kind of edge to the backcourt. A standout at the University of Arizona and the third overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, McDonald has spent most of her pro career with the Atlanta Dream, where she showcased flashes of elite playmaking and lockdown perimeter defense. Her return to Indiana marks both a second chance and an opportunity for the Fever to inject renewed intensity into their guard rotation.
McDonald was briefly with the Fever earlier in the season before being waived amid a crowded backcourt, but her familiarity with the system and evident chemistry with key players likely contributed to the organization’s decision to bring her back. With Caitlin Clark handling heavy minutes and often drawing the full attention of opposing defenses, McDonald’s presence should alleviate some of that pressure while also adding versatility to the second unit. Her ability to slash, push in transition, and hound opposing guards offers the Fever a strategic boost as they fight for positioning in an increasingly competitive league.
There’s also a symbolic layer to this move. By letting go of a seasoned veteran and welcoming back a younger, more energetic guard, the Fever seem to be fully embracing their youth movement. This isn’t to say Bonner no longer has value—on the contrary, she likely has more left in the tank and will surely draw attention from playoff-contending teams seeking experience and poise. But for Indiana, this appears to be a clear statement about direction, vision, and urgency. It’s a team that wants to run, wants to press, and wants to build a cohesive core that can grow together and contend for years to come.
