Former Fever player DeWanna Bonner to sign with Mercury

INDIANAPOLIS – Former Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner will sign with the Phoenix Mercury in the next few days, according to a report from ESPN’s Michael Voepel.

Bonner, a 16-year WNBA veteran, was one of the Fever’s marquee signings in the offseason, following coach Stephanie White from Connecticut to Indianapolis. But Bonner felt like she wasn’t a fit with Indiana’s style from the beginning, and eventually requested a trade from the Fever early into the season.

Bonner was away from the Fever for five games while Indiana’s front office tried work out options, but they couldn’t find a suitable trade because of the size of Bonner’s contract (a near-max $200,000).

As Bonner was on an unprotected contract, Indiana could release her without a buyout or monetary penalty. Indiana waived Bonner on June 25 and signed guard Aari McDonald.

Bonner played nine games for Indiana, averaging 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 21 minutes per game.

“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise,” Bonner said in a release when she was waived. “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.” 

Bonner hit the waiver wire for 48 hours, but was not picked up by any team, likely because of the size of her contract.

Now, she is reportedly headed back to Phoenix, where she was drafted in 2009. Bonner won two championships and was a three-time Sixth Player of the Year with the Mercury in 10 seasons. Phoenix is also where her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas, plays. Bonner and Thomas played together in Connecticut for five years before Thomas was traded to Phoenix and Bonner opted to sign with Indiana.

Phoenix, which already has 12 players on its roster, will have to release a player to accommodate Bonner. The Mercury should have the cap room, assuming Bonner signs for the veteran minimum.

Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at capeterson@gannett.com or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67. Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter.