Fever waive veteran Bonner, who says team fit 'did not work out' - ESPN
The Indiana Fever have waived guard/forward DeWanna Bonner, one of their key free-agent acquisitions in the offseason, after she had missed five games due to what was termed personal reasons.
The Fever have signed guard Aari McDonald, who was with the team earlier on an injury hardship contract, for the rest of the season.
«I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise,» Bonner said in a news release. «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.»
Bonner averaged in double figures scoring each of her 15 previous seasons in the WNBA and has been a full-time starter since 2012. She started just three of the nine Fever games she appeared in and averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
As she is near the end of her career at age 37, Bonner didn't think things would work out the rest of this season in Indiana and contemplated retirement, sources told ESPN.
Bonner being waived will allow her to play for another team this season. She has to clear a 48-hour period where other teams can claim her on waivers for the remainder of the $200,000 salary she is owed by her one-year unprotected deal with the Fever. If no team does, Bonner is a free agent and can sign for the veteran minimum if needed to fit into the salary cap of her preferred team.
Sources have indicated Phoenix, where Bonner began her career in 2009 as the No. 5 pick out of Auburn and won two titles, is one of her preferred destinations.