After exploring potential trade options, the Indiana Fever wound up waiving DeWanna Bonner on Wednesday morning after no suitable trade partners emerged.
Bonner was arguably the Fever’s biggest free agent signing this past offseason. Indiana inked Bonner to a one-year, $200,000 contract in the hopes that the two-time WNBA champion and six-time WNBA All-Star could impart some veteran leadership and championship pedigree into the franchise.
Instead, Bonner reportedly felt it wasn’t a good fit from the beginning and the two sides couldn’t get to a place where Bonner was feeling good about her role.
“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise. 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 said in a release.
The 37-year-old started three games with the Fever and played in just nine. Bonner averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 blocks per game on a career-worst 34.5% field goal shooting.
Reports indicate that the Phoenix Mercury or the Atlanta Dream are Bonner’s preferred destinations.
In conjunction with its move to waive Bonner, the Indiana Fever re-signed fan favorite guard Aari McDonald. McDonald had joined the Fever earlier this season on hardship contract. Indiana inked McDonald to a prorated veteran minimum of around $53,000. That’s in addition to the $6,000 that McDonald made with the Fever earlier this month.
“I’m so excited to rejoin the Fever. Although my time with the team was brief, it immediately felt like the place to be,” McDonald said. “I’m grateful for the warm welcome from the coaches, teammates, and fans—and most of all, I thank God for the incredible journey I’m on.”
This move also allows the Fever the cap space of about $119,000 to sign a 12th player to their roster. According to the Indy Star’s Chloe Peterson, Indiana is targeting a frontcourt player to fill the gap that Bonner left.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: DeWanna Bonner comments on Indiana Fever departure