The Indiana Fever are facing one of the first real mid-season shakeups of their 2025 campaign—and it’s a big one. DeWanna Bonner, the seasoned WNBA forward who came to Indianapolis with high hopes, is reportedly ready to pack her bags and move on. It hasn’t been a smooth ride for Bonner in Indiana, and while it started with optimism, the relationship seems headed for a split that feels, at this point, inevitable.
Let’s be honest—Bonner’s situation is messy, but it opens the door for Indiana to get creative with its roster. And with the Fever finally showing some promising momentum this season—especially with the energy around rookie superstar Caitlin Clark—they can’t afford to let this throw them off course.
So, what’s really going on with Bonner?
Bonner arrived in Indy during the winter as a high-profile signing, expected to be a cornerstone for the Fever's new era. She was slotted into the starting five at the start of the 2025 season, but it didn’t take long before the rotation changed. Guard Lexie Hull stepped into her place in the starting lineup, bumping Bonner to the bench.
It wasn’t just a shift in role—it was a hit to her stature and rhythm. Bonner, a five-time All-Star with championship experience, has always thrived when she’s central to the action. Coming off the bench in a reduced role? That clearly wasn’t sitting well with her.
As the whispers got louder, the writing on the wall became bold and unavoidable: Bonner wants out. Whether it comes via trade or a flat-out release, her time with the Fever looks close to done.
Let’s talk opportunity: What can Indiana do with this situation?
While losing a player like Bonner isn’t ideal, her exit could open up much-needed cap space. That gives Indiana the flexibility to act, and with two open roster spots (the 11th and 12th), they can add some valuable pieces.
Let’s dive into some real options that make sense for the Fever:
🔁 Re-Sign Aari McDonald – The No-Brainer Move
One move that almost feels like destiny? Bringing back Aari McDonald. Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if that deal is already halfway done.
Remember when Caitlin Clark was sidelined earlier this season? McDonald stepped up and showed she’s not just a temporary patch—she’s a legit contributor. In just four games, she gave Indiana a scoring spark and veteran confidence. And here’s the kicker: no other WNBA team has snatched her up since. That speaks volumes.
If Bonner exits, McDonald could slide right into that bench scoring role. She already knows the system. She’s already proven she can handle the moment. This move would be the most seamless plug-and-play solution available.
🔄 Bring Back Familiar Faces: Jillian Alleyne or Yvonne Ejim
If Indiana doesn’t want to overcomplicate things, they have two more in-house options that are just a call away.
Jillian Alleyne, though she hasn’t had a deep WNBA résumé, was part of the Fever’s 2025 training camp and already has some familiarity with Stephanie White’s system. She’s a forward/center who could give the team depth in the frontcourt rotation. She was cut during roster finalization, but with new room available, she’s a logical addition.
Then there’s Yvonne Ejim, Indiana’s third-round pick from the 2025 draft. She didn’t make the final roster, but don’t let that fool you—Ejim is a high-upside rookie who could benefit from developmental minutes if the Fever are playing the long game. With energy, rebounding skills, and raw athleticism, Ejim could be molded into a future piece of the puzzle.
🧩 Swing a Trade for a Proven Forward
Now let’s talk about a more aggressive—and possibly exciting—option: a trade.
One name that stands out? Azurá Stevens of the Los Angeles Sparks. She's putting up a solid stat line—13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game—and she’s under contract until the end of 2025. If Indiana can find the right package, possibly including a 2026 draft pick, this could be the needle-mover the franchise needs.
Plus, Stevens brings playoff experience and size, something Indiana could benefit from immediately.
But she’s not the only veteran option out there:
Other Possible Trade Targets:
-
Rebecca Allen (Chicago Sky): Familiar with Coach Stephanie White from their time together in Connecticut. Known for her defensive energy and perimeter shooting.
-
Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Connecticut Sun): Another former White player with good size and the ability to play both frontcourt spots. She brings youth and upside.
-
Myisha Hines-Allen (Dallas Wings): On an expiring deal, so the risk is low. She can rebound, run the floor, and give Indiana a tougher inside presence.
If Indiana decides it wants to remain competitive this season, flipping a pick or an end-of-bench player to snag one of these veterans would signal that they're serious about staying in the playoff hunt—even with Bonner’s departure.
What’s At Stake for the Fever?
This is a pivotal moment for the Fever. With Caitlin Clark drawing national attention, this team has more eyes on it than ever before. Every roster decision is now under a bigger microscope. Replacing Bonner’s production and leadership won’t be easy, but it’s doable—and necessary.
This is also a chance for GM Lin Dunn and head coach Stephanie White to showcase that they’re building something sustainable in Indy. With the youth movement in full swing and a generational talent like Clark on board, Indiana can’t afford to spin its wheels.
Final Thoughts: What Will They Do?
We’re probably days, maybe even hours, from an announcement about Bonner’s status. But one thing is clear—Indiana Fever have options. They’re not stuck. In fact, they’re in a decent position to get younger, faster, and maybe even more cohesive.
If they play this smart—re-sign McDonald, bring back a familiar forward, or pull off a savvy trade—they could come out of this stronger than they were before.
DeWanna Bonner may be heading for the exit, but Indiana’s future? That door is wide open.
🔥 Quick Recap – What Should the Fever Consider?
-
✅ Re-sign Aari McDonald – Proven fit, instant scoring
-
✅ Bring back Jillian Alleyne or Yvonne Ejim – Low-cost, system-ready depth
-
🔄 Trade for veteran forward help – Azurá Stevens, Rebecca Allen, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, or Myisha Hines-Allen
Login