Indiana Fever Waive DeWanna Bonner, Sign Aari McDonald

Indiana Fever Waive DeWanna Bonner, Sign Aari McDonald

The Indiana Fever announced that they are signing guard Aari McDonald for the rest of the season, and as a corresponding move, they are waiving forward DeWanna Bonner.

McDonald played in three games for the Fever when the team signed her to an emergency hardship exception because of injuries to Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham. The 26-year-old shined in those three games bringing defensive intensity, energy, and emotion. She averaged 11.0 points per game, 3.0 assists per game, and 2.0 steals per game. Indiana went 2-1 with wins over the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky.

Prior to playing with the Fever, McDonald was the 3rd overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream. She played with the Dream for three seasons and then played last year with the Los Angeles Sparks, the Fever’s next opponent. She has played in 119 games in her WNBA career, averaging 8.7 points per game, 2.8 assists per game, and is a 33% three-point shooter.

In the announcement of the moves, COO & General Manager Amber Cox said, “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.” 

In the last 24 hours, there have been a lot of reports swirling that DeWanna Bonner did not have any intentions of returning the Fever. She played in the first nine games of the season, starting the first three games of the season before being replaced by Lexie Hull in the lineup. Bonner hadn’t played in the last five games due to “personal reasons” per Fever Head Coach Stephanie White.

The 37-year-old is a first ballot Hall of Famer. She signed with Indiana in the offseason to help bring a championship mindset, veteran leadership, and basketball skillset to bring the Fever back to the top of the WNBA. She averaged 7.1 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, 1.6 assists per game, and 1.2 steals per game in just 21.3 minutes per game.

In the release, Bonner stated, “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.” 

It is reported that Bonner wants to join her partner, Alyssa Thomas, with the Phoenix Mercury or sign with the Atlanta Dream.

Indiana is currently 7-7 and are coming off a 94-86 victory last night in Seattle. Aliyah Boston recorded a career-high 31 points and Lexie Hull notched her first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. The Fever next play on Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Los Angeles Sparks at 7pm. Pregame coverage with Eddie Garrison will start at 6:45pm followed by play-by-play coverage with John Nolan and Bria Goss at 7pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan.