WNBA Veteran DeWanna Bonner Reports Desire to Leave Indiana Fever Amid Absence

DeWanna Bonner, a six-time WNBA All-Star and key offseason acquisition for the Indiana Fever, has reportedly decided she does not want to return to the team this season and prefers a trade to the Phoenix Mercury or Atlanta Dream. Bonner has been absent since June 11 due to personal reasons and has missed the last five games, with her declining on-court role and benching cited as factors in her dissatisfaction. The Fever are facing challenges in facilitating a trade due to Bonner's $200,000 contract and the limited cap space available on interested teams, complicating potential moves. Coach Stephanie White emphasized focusing on current players despite the turmoil, while the Fever's front office is under scrutiny from fans who question recent roster decisions amid the team's inconsistent performance and rebuilding efforts. Bonner's departure would be a significant loss for the Fever, who have invested heavily to build a championship contender around young star Caitlin Clark but now face frontcourt depth issues and questions about team chemistry. The Fever currently hold a 6-7 record and are positioned eighth in the league standings as they navigate this roster uncertainty.