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Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a photo Wednesday, April 30, 2025, during the Indiana Fever media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

'Couldn’t Get To A Place Where It Felt Good For Her': DeWanna Bonner’s Departure Gets Fever GM To Finally Speak On What Happened

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 8:02 AM ET

DeWanna Bonner ‘s arrival with the Indiana Fever gave expectations of veteran experience for the roster led by Caitlin Clark. However, such a dynamic ultimately failed to work, as the team waived Bonner on Wednesday following her controversial absence from the team’s games.

Following Bonner’s departure, the Fever’s general manager, Amber Cox, shared the whole situation amidst the abrupt events.

“We talked through that … and we just couldn’t get it to a place where it felt good for her. … I think as we were going through the process, it felt better for her to step away as we were sorting through what it was going to look like … it wasn’t a decision any of us made lightly,” Cox said.

Amber Cox on the Fever parting ways with DeWanna Bonner:

“I think as we were going through the process, it felt better for her to step away as we were sorting through what it was going to look like … it wasn’t a decision any of us made lightly.” pic.twitter.com/MDE0sqN1VU

— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 26, 2025

DeWanna Bonner’s relationship with the Fever started on a high note, becoming the third-highest player to have the most WNBA career points during the season opener. Such a milestone went downhill when HC Stephanie White put the former Auburn to the bench for Lexie Hull. After June 10’s loss against the Atlanta Dream, the veteran guard was sidelined due to “personal reasons,” with both sides never revealing the full insight.

Speculations escalated when a report on Tuesday revealed that DeWanna Bonner had lost interest in Indiana, leading to the team waiving her the next day in exchange for the fan and team favorite, Aari McDonald.

DeWanna Bonner sent her parting message with the Fever

After leaving Indiana Fever, DeWanna Bonner also sent her side of the situation regarding her departure in a short message.

“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise,” Bonner said, acknowledging the organization for bringing her in ahead of the season.

May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) celebrates after becoming the third all-time leading scorer in WNBA history Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-IndyStar via Imagn Images

She then addressed the tension that had built up and her reasoning for requesting an exit:

“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.”

Later, in a message relayed by ESPN, Bonner closed her statement with well-wishes for the team’s future:

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

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) hugs Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.

While both DeWanna Bonner and the Fever had moved on from their controversy, some critics called out the 37-year-old guard to retire after finding out that she “wasn’t fit” with the Fever. However, Bonner slammed bashers in an Instagram post showing her training grind.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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