Caitlin Clark loses WNBA star teammate – but shock exit sets up Fever reunion


The Indiana Fever have decided to cut ties with forward DeWanna Bonner, who has been absent from the lineup since June 12.

The team attributed her absence to “personal reasons,” but it later emerged that Bonner was seeking to leave Indy. Bonner, a two-time All-Star, was signed by Indiana to a one-year, $200,000 contract before the season began, in hopes of bringing some playoff experience alongside second-year star Caitlin Clark.

Last season, Bonner averaged 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for the Connecticut Sun. However, those numbers fell to 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds – albeit in fewer minutes – across nine games in 2025.

The Fever will fill her roster spot with Aari McDonald, who impressed Clark by averaging 11.0 points per game over three games after joining the team’s WNBA hardship signing.

McDonald was chosen with the third pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream. The petite guard had three inconsistent seasons in Atlanta before serving as a key reserve for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024.

“I’m so excited to rejoin the Fever,” she said about the news. “Although my time with the team was brief, it immediately felt like the place to be. 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.”

Fever coach Stephanie White struggled to find the perfect lineup mix to effectively use Bonner, leading the WNBA star to seek a trade to either her former team, the Phoenix Mercury, or the Dream, as reported by Front Office Sports.


Aari McDonald© Getty Images

“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise,” Bonner expressed gratitude for her time with the team following Wednesday’s decision.

“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.”

The Fever are now responsible for at least $64,000 of Bonner’s $200,000 contract after her 14-game tenure.

Should another team pick her up while she’s on waivers over the next 48 hours, they’ll take on the remainder of her contract. Otherwise, WNBA teams can snag Bonner for the prorated veteran minimum, leaving the Fever to cover the rest of her guaranteed salary.

With a 7-7 record, the Fever aim to capitalize on their recent 94-86 victory against the Seattle Storm as they prepare to welcome the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night.