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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.

'Knew A Little Bit About It Before': DeWanna Bonner’s Fallout With Fever Gets Interesting Twist With Becky Hammon Knowing The Issue Beforehand

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 8:20 AM ET

Rumors surrounding DeWanna Bonner ‘s departure from the Indiana Fever had finally been resolved as the team had waived her on Wednesday. Amidst the rumors, LV Aces coach Becky Hammon offered her honest response on Bonner’s connection with the Fever and her WNBA future.

Speaking on Wednesday’s post-game interview against the Connecticut Sun, Hammon pointed out Bonner’s relationship with HC Stephanie White. While admitting that she has no full idea of what happened, the Russian-American coach stressed the 37-year-old veteran’s experience, and it remains valuable as she becomes a free agent, hoping to find a new team.

“I only knew a little bit about it before,” Hammon told reporters in a clip posted by Moreau Sports on X. “You know (Bonner) was with Steph too, so I know they have a pretty solid relationship. But for whatever reason, some things don’t work out. Now there’s like a DB sweepstakes.”

Becky Hammon speaks about DeWanna Bonner leaving the Indiana Fever pic.twitter.com/ipbAJ5maQh

— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) June 26, 2025

DeWanna Bonner , a two-time champion, once signed a one-year deal with Indiana in May. Following the season opener against the Chicago Sky, she became the all-time leading scorer in the league, surpassing Tina Thompson. However, things went downhill when White put the former Auburn on the bench after playing six games in favor of Lexie Hull.

On June 13, the Fever put Bonner on the injury report for “personal reasons,” such hadn’t been completely revealed by both sides. Fans got even more suspicious when the former Phoenix Mercury missed five consecutive games, then came Annie Costabile’s report on Tuesday.

“Multiple sources told Front Office Sports that the fit in Indiana was ‘off’ from the beginning. Bonner — who was signed to be an anchor with championship experience for the team’s young core — was expected to be a starter. The Fever declined to comment,” Costabile wrote.

The Fever had already found DeWanna Bonner’s replacement

DeWanna Bonner‘s release from the Indiana Fever might not be surprising for most fans, especially given her absences from games, but it was a loss of valuable experience for the team.

Jun 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Aari McDonald (2) takes the ball to the basket during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smth- INDIANAPOLIS STAR-Imagn Images

Still, the six-time WNBA All-Star’s loss was never much for the Fever, as they signed Aari McDonald in return, who played for the team via emergency contract due to the loss of players like Caitlin Clark.

McDonald notably averaged 11.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in three games, becoming a fan favorite as she showed impressive flashes, proving she deserves a continued spot for the Fever.

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

Meanwhile, DeWanna Bonner averaged a career-low 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists throughout nine games with the Fever.

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

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