© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
When the Indiana Fever added veteran wing DeWanna Bonner to the fold in the offseason, it felt like the perfect match. Bonner is a two-time champion, a six-time all-star and added much-needed source of experience for an emerging team.
But less than two month into the season, the two sides parted ways after a mysterious rift highlighted by head coach Stephanie White seemingly throwing shade at the player she spent the previous two seasons coaching with the Connecticut Sun.
“I haven’t had a lot of conversations with [Bonner] recently,” White said, per an X post from Chloe Peterson of IndyStar. “You know, really focused on the team we have right here, and what we need to do to position ourselves to win.”
Ultimately, the Fever waived Bonner on Wednesday.
“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise,” the veteran player 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.”
This led some to claim that Bonner quit on her teammates, an allegation that she strongly denied in an Instagram post on Thursday morning.
“A QUITTER!! Nah never been that!!” the post began. “But when the time comes…Let’s just make sure the apologies, are just as loud as the disrespect!! IN DUE TIME…”
Bonner did expand on what she may or may not have been aluding to. And the resulting speculation will undoubtedly be crazier than the real story. But for now, the WNBA’s third all-time leading scorer is back on the market.