Indiana Fever perfect fit for Caitlin Clark, both in location and team

She had the legacy. She had the stats. But one move against Caitlin Clark may have just cost DeWanna Bonner her future in the WNBA. Is this the downfall of a former icon?


Once hailed as one of the most respected veterans in the WNBA, DeWanna Bonner now finds herself at the center of a whirlwind storm—accused of turning her back on Caitlin Clark, the league’s brightest new star, and facing total rejection from teams that once fought to sign her.

What started as subtle tension on the court has now exploded into a full-blown feud with fans choosing sides, players unfollowing each other on Instagram, and insiders leaking drama that could shift the WNBA landscape for good.

THE MOMENT THAT STARTED IT ALL

It all began during the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals when the Indiana Fever faced off against the Connecticut Sun. Bonner, playing in what many expected to be her last major tournament run, had a visibly heated exchange with Caitlin Clark after a hard foul.

What looked like normal game-day intensity quickly spiraled. Cameras caught Bonner muttering under her breath after the play—words that fans quickly interpreted as shade aimed directly at Clark.

Then came the cold post-game moment:
Bonner walked past Clark during the handshake line, barely making eye contact. Clark, ever the professional, extended her hand anyway—only to be ignored.

Social media exploded.

“Did DeWanna Bonner just SNUB Caitlin Clark??”
“That was straight-up petty.”
“You don’t diss the face of the league like that.”

Written in 1971': Columnist apologises after awkward interaction with  Caitlin Clark | Caitlin Clark | The Guardian

BETRAYAL OR JUST COMPETITION?

Sources inside the Fever locker room later claimed that Bonner had been “increasingly dismissive” of Clark’s rise, reportedly calling the media attention around her “overkill” and allegedly telling teammates:

“One good rookie season doesn’t make you the queen of the league.”

But what shocked fans most wasn’t just Bonner’s coldness—it was what happened next.

Following the Cup loss, Bonner’s contract negotiations with Connecticut quietly collapsed. Rumors swirled that her attitude toward younger stars—Clark in particular—had damaged her value in the eyes of front offices across the league.

“SHE BEGGED—AND STILL GOT NOTHING.”

An anonymous league exec reportedly told a WNBA reporter:

“Bonner reached out to three playoff-bound teams, offering to take a bench role. All of them passed. No one wants drama right now, especially not with Clark mania boosting ratings.”

Another insider claimed she even contacted the Indiana Fever, hoping for a veteran-minimum contract—only to be politely rejected.

“We’re building around Caitlin,” a Fever assistant coach allegedly said. “We’re not inviting anyone who can’t support that.”

Caitlin Clark Crisis Fix Won't Work This Time as DeWanna Bonner's Absence  Demands Alternative Move, Per National Reporter - EssentiallySports

FANS REACT: ‘THIS IS WHAT JEALOUSY LOOKS LIKE’

Twitter (X) and TikTok lit up with commentary:

“DeWanna Bonner fumbled her whole legacy out of ego.”

“Caitlin Clark handled it with grace. Bonner came off bitter.”

“You either evolve with the new wave… or get left behind.”

Memes soon followed: Bonner photoshopped as the “Grinch” trying to steal Clark’s spotlight. Others called it “LeBron vs. Jordan vibes—but with insecurity.”

Even former players weighed in.
Swin Cash tweeted:

“You don’t win by tearing down the next generation. You win by passing the torch with class.”

Caitlin Clark loses WNBA star teammate - but shock exit sets up Fever  reunion | Irish Star

CAITLIN CLARK STAYS CLASSY

Through it all, Clark has remained the picture of professionalism. When asked about the handshake snub in a post-game interview, she simply said:

“Everyone’s emotional after a tough game. I respect DeWanna’s legacy and wish her the best.”

No shade. No pettiness. Just pure class—further winning over fans.

And that may be exactly why Bonner’s actions backfired so spectacularly.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BONNER?

At 37, with two championships and five All-Star nods, Bonner should be enjoying veteran respect. Instead, she’s suddenly without a team, without leverage, and battling the narrative of a jealous former star unable to adapt to a changing league.

Could she still find a team? Possibly. The WNBA is unpredictable. But as of now, the door seems firmly shut.

“She bet against Caitlin Clark,” one fan posted. “And Caitlin didn’t even have to say a word. The league said it for her.”

https://youtu.be/hGJYLPGIOCU?si=BaablzmSAy24Q11P


From MVP to misunderstood villain, DeWanna Bonner’s fall from grace may be one of the most unexpected WNBA storylines of the decade.
And in a league where image and unity matter as much as stats, turning against the new queen might be the biggest mistake of her career.