Indiana Fever Faces Player Frustration After DeWanna Bonner's Midseason Exit to Phoenix Mercury

DeWanna Bonner's unexpected departure from the Indiana Fever during the 2025 WNBA season has caused considerable confusion and frustration among the team and its young players. Bonner, a veteran forward and two-time WNBA champion, signed with the Fever to provide leadership but left abruptly for "personal reasons" after only nine games, later joining the Phoenix Mercury. Fever players, particularly Lexie Hull, expressed that they were never given a clear explanation for Bonner's exit, which disrupted team morale but ultimately brought the remaining players closer together. The Fever's head coach, Stephanie White, indicated that the team chose to focus on their current roster after the split, while Bonner acknowledged the lack of fit with the Fever in a statement. Meanwhile, Bonner's Instagram reflections and the support from former teammates like Natasha Howard highlight her resilience despite the challenging season. The Fever's sudden loss of Bonner underscored difficulties in communication and team dynamics but also served as a rallying point for the team moving forward.