DeWanna Bonner Reflects on Brief Tenure with Fever, Thrives with Mercury

DeWanna Bonner’s brief stint with the Indiana Fever in 2025 ended after just nine games, following her request for a trade or release. Despite an optimistic start, her time with the Fever saw a rapid decline, culminating in her release when no trade partner could be found. Now, Bonner has joined the Phoenix Mercury, where she will face her former team later this season.

Bonner’s arrival in Indiana was met with high expectations. She joined the Fever on a $200,000 unprotected contract in February, aiming to bolster a young roster led by rising star Caitlin Clark. Her debut was promising; she quickly ascended to third on the Fever’s all-time scoring list during the season opener. Both Bonner and head coach Stephanie White described her as a vital “puzzle piece” for the team’s development.

However, after just three games, the Fever moved Bonner to a bench role, opting to start Lexie Hull instead. This shift marked the beginning of a challenging phase for the veteran player. Bonner was later sidelined due to “personal reasons,” and she did not return to the court for the Fever.

Reflecting on her time with the Fever, Bonner expressed no regrets about the situation. “The change from starter to bench player didn’t bother me,” she said, as reported by the Associated Press. Since joining the Mercury, she has averaged 13.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 47.8% from the field. Although she has started only once in her five games with Phoenix, her contributions have significantly outperformed her limited role in Indiana.

As of now, the Mercury are enjoying success, holding the third-best record in the league at 15-9. In contrast, the Fever find themselves in sixth place with a record of 13-12. Bonner’s new chapter with the Mercury is also personally significant, as she plays alongside her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas, adding another layer of motivation.

Bonner’s upcoming matchup against the Fever will mark a pivotal moment, not just for her personally, but for both teams as they continue their seasons. While the Fever are recalibrating after her departure, the Mercury appear poised for a strong playoff run, bolstered by Bonner’s experience and dynamic play.