Caitlin Clark’s verdict on DeWanna Bonner aged horribly as Fever set to lose star

Caitlin Clark and fans alike had high expectations for DeWanna Bonner when she signed with the Indiana Fever, only for the six-time All-Star to force her way out

 

Caitlin Clark had been excited to link up with DeWanna Bonner

Caitlin Clark labeled DeWanna Bonner a “selfless leader,” only for the six-time All-Star to force her way out of the Indiana Fever after just months.

Back in the offseason, two-time WNBA champion Bonner signed a one-year deal with the Fever after five seasons with the Connecticut Sun. She spent the last two seasons with head coach Stephanie White and decided to follow her to Indiana to play alongside Clark.

However, just over a month into the 2025 season, Bonner has cut ties with the Fever. Indiana had signed Bonner to a one-year, $200,000 contract ahead of the season in hopes of adding some playoff experience next to second-year superstar Clark.

Bonner had been out of the Fever lineup since June 12. The team cited “personal reasons” for her absence, but it was later revealed that Bonner was angling for a trade.

Last season, Bonner averaged 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds a night for the Sun. Those numbers dropped to 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds across nine games in 2025, although this was in fewer minutes.

When Bonner signed with the Fever, Clark praised the veteran champion. She expressed excitement about the acquisition and looked forward to playing alongside the 37-year-old.

“She’s such a selfless leader,” Clark said. “She’s here to win. She says that, but she really means it.”

She added: “DB’s been tremendous… not only as a leader, she’s a tremendous basketball player, too. She’s won championships. She knows what it is.”DeWanna Bonner has been waived by the Fever after missing the last few weeks due to 'personal reasons'

In the playoffs last season, Clark clashed with Bonner. The two engaged in a fiery battle during Game 2 of the first round of the postseason; Clark argued with an official when Bonner appeared to goad her, leading to the rookie pushing off the six-time All-Star, which led to a vocal reaction from fans watching on.

Clark and Bonner continued to engage in a back-and-forth exchange, chirping at one another through the timeout. The veteran pointed her finger at Clark before officials intervened.

Bonner had reportedly hoped for a trade to either the Phoenix Mercury or Atlanta Dream. However, she was waived, clearing cap space and allowing rivals to claim her within 48 hours; Bonner becomes an unrestricted free agent if unclaimed.

The Fever replaced Bonner on the roster with Aari McDonald, who impressed the likes of Clark by averaging 11.0 points a night across three games. She was selected with the third pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Dream, playing three seasons in Atlanta before serving as a key reserve for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024.

“I’m so excited to rejoin the Fever,” McDonald said of 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.”