The Indiana Fever have waived veteran forward DeWanna Bonner on Wednesday, citing “team fit” as the reason for the parting of ways.
Bonner, who was one of the Fever’s key offseason additions, had missed the team’s previous 5 contests for personal reasons. It appears as though the break up is as amicable as it can be, with Bonner looking to catch on with another team once she clears waivers.
“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise,” Bonner said in a prepared statement. “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.”
Across 9 games with Indiana, the 17 year veteran averaged 7.1pts/3.8reb/1.6ast over 21 minutes a night. According to reports, Bonner had considered retirement before she and the team came to terms on a release this week.
If the 37 year old goes unclaimed over the next 48 hours, she will become a free agent and be able to sign with a team of her choosing. Sources indicate that Phoenix Mercury, whom Bonner spent 10 years with, are the current favourites to land the former Auburn standout.
In a corresponding move, the Fever have signed guard Aari McDonald to a deal for the remainder of the season. McDonald was already with the team on an injury hardship contract earlier this season.
“I’m so excited to rejoin the Fever,” McDonald said in a statement. “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 GM Amber Cox released a statement of her own regarding the 26 year old, saying “From the moment she arrived in Indy, Aari was a clear fit with the style and mentality we are building here with the Fever. Though only here a few games, her impact as a playmaker and a defender was evident. We are very excited to welcome her back for the remainder of the season.”
The Fever are next in action Thursday night in a 7pm ET showdown with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Photo: John Mac. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.