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May 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) grabs the ball against the Atlanta Dream in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

'I’m Not Scared About That': DeWanna Bonner’s Arrival In Mercury After Stormy Experience With Fever Doesn’t Fizzle Alyssa Thomas

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 9:41 AM ET

DeWanna Bonner’s return to the Phoenix Mercury is beginning to feel less like a surprise and more like destiny. After a turbulent run with the Indiana Fever that saw her benched, sidelined, and eventually stepping away for “personal reasons,” the 2-time WNBA champion is eyeing a comeback—on her terms, and possibly in her old stomping grounds.

Her abrupt exit from Indiana didn’t come without raised eyebrows. DeWanna Bonner played just three games with the Fever, managing only one point across her final two starts. It wasn’t the debut anyone expected from the 2009 1st-round pick, and things quickly went quiet from her camp.

Now, whispers of a Phoenix reunion are getting louder.

But while outsiders might wonder about locker room chemistry, the Mercury aren’t worried. Guard Monique Akoa Makani made it clear after practice.

“I feel like the coaching staff and every individual in here have made the effort every day to strengthen the team’s chemistry,” Makani said. “Whoever has to come in is going to fit anyways, so I’m not scared about that.”

The move also comes with some added motivation for DeWanna Bonner as this puts her back on the court with longtime partner, Alyssa Thomas. And with Phoenix hunting for more firepower, adding someone who knows the city, the culture, and the pressure might be just what they need.

DeWanna Bonner may have left Indiana in silence, but her next move’s about to get loud.

‘The Fit Did Not Work Out’: DeWanna Bonner Breaks Silence After Fever Exit

DeWanna Bonner is officially off the Indiana Fever—after just nine games and a 7‑7 team start, the six‑time All‑Star made it loud and clear: the fit just wasn’t right.

Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) warms up Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

In her statement, DeWanna Bonner said, “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.”

The Fever quickly re-signed guard Aari McDonald to fill her spot, while veteran Caitlin Clark deals with a groin injury that’s adding to the roster shuffle.

Bonner averaged just 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season—far below her usual double‑digit norms—and missed five straight games due to “personal reasons” before the split.

Jun 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) drives to the basket against the Chicago Sky during the first half of a WNBA game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

DeWanna Bonner’s departure isn’t the end of her story—it’s a reset. Now the WNBA world waits to see where she lands next.

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

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