Indiana Fever Waive DeWanna Bonner, Sign Aari McDonald As Damiris Dantas Joins Brazil For Upcoming AmeriCup Duties

The Indiana Fever have officially made significant changes to their roster, signaling another shakeup as the team looks to find consistency in what has been an unpredictable season. On Wednesday morning, the Fever announced that they have waived veteran guard/forward DeWanna Bonner. The six-foot-four star, widely regarded as one of the most experienced and decorated players in the WNBA, leaves the roster after appearing in nine games with Indiana this season.

Bonner, who has long been known for her versatility and scoring ability, averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game while logging 21.3 minutes per contest in her brief stint with the Fever. She started in three of those nine appearances but struggled to consistently replicate the production that made her a household name during her peak years with the Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun.

While the decision may have surprised some, the move reflects Indiana’s desire to build a younger, faster, and more defensively versatile team around their core, including rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Despite Bonner’s wealth of experience and championship pedigree, the Fever are clearly prioritizing roster flexibility as they seek to develop long-term chemistry on the court.

In conjunction with waiving Bonner, the Fever announced they have signed guard Aari McDonald for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season. McDonald, a five-foot-six dynamo, brings a new level of speed, playmaking, and defensive intensity to the Fever backcourt. Known for her electrifying performances during her collegiate career at Arizona, where she led the Wildcats to the national championship game in 2021, McDonald has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s peskiest perimeter defenders and an explosive offensive threat in transition.

McDonald’s addition provides a timely boost for the Fever, particularly with their need for additional guard depth and defensive presence. Her arrival comes amid a stretch where Indiana has struggled to close out games, often falling victim to late turnovers and defensive breakdowns. McDonald’s quick hands, elite lateral movement, and ability to pressure opposing ball-handlers will be invaluable in that regard.

Indiana Fever General Manager Lin Dunn praised McDonald’s signing, stating, “Aari is a competitor in every sense of the word. Her speed, defensive tenacity, and leadership qualities are exactly what this team needs right now. We believe her skill set complements our roster and will help us stay competitive every night.”

While McDonald strengthens the backcourt, the frontcourt will see a temporary absence as 6-foot-4 center/forward Damiris Dantas steps away from the team to represent Brazil in the upcoming FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. The prestigious tournament is scheduled to begin next month, with national teams from across the Americas competing for the coveted title and qualification spots for future international competitions.

Dantas, a staple for the Brazilian National Team, has been instrumental for both club and country throughout her career. Her ability to stretch the floor, crash the boards, and facilitate from the high post has made her a valuable contributor for the Fever this season. Though her absence will create a temporary hole in Indiana’s frontcourt rotation, the organization has expressed full support for her decision to represent her country on the international stage.

“We are proud of Damiris and fully support her commitment to the Brazilian National Team,” Dunn added. “Her international experience brings a different level of maturity and perspective, and we look forward to welcoming her back after the AmeriCup.”

The Fever’s current roster shuffle reflects broader themes surrounding the team’s direction in 2025. Entering the season, Indiana was viewed as a young team brimming with potential but also one facing growing pains. With the addition of Aari McDonald and the temporary departure of Dantas, the Fever will rely heavily on their young stars to step up, particularly as they navigate a competitive Eastern Conference.

Caitlin Clark, the rookie sensation, has drawn headlines both for her on-court performances and the immense fanfare surrounding her arrival to the WNBA. Her scoring prowess, court vision, and shooting range have made her an instant fan favorite, but like any rookie, she has experienced ups and downs in adjusting to the professional game. The Fever’s front office has remained committed to surrounding Clark with complementary pieces, and the addition of a veteran guard like McDonald should ease the playmaking burden while also fortifying the defensive identity Indiana hopes to cultivate.

Alongside Clark, players like Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and NaLyssa Smith continue to form the backbone of Indiana’s young core. The Fever are banking on this group’s development as the foundation for sustained success, which partially explains the decision to part ways with Bonner, whose role and production have waned compared to her prime years.

Bonner’s departure also highlights the business side of professional basketball. Despite her storied career, which includes multiple All-Star selections and championship rings, performance, fit, and financial considerations often drive roster decisions. While Bonner’s veteran presence and leadership were undoubtedly assets in the locker room, Indiana’s focus on speed, youth, and defensive intensity ultimately dictated this move.

For Bonner, the next chapter remains uncertain. Though teams have reportedly been advised not to claim her off waivers, it’s unlikely that a player with her résumé will remain unsigned for long, should she wish to continue her playing career. Her combination of length, versatility, and experience still holds value, particularly for teams looking to make a playoff push or bolster their depth with a proven veteran presence.

Meanwhile, the Fever press forward, embracing a renewed sense of urgency as they chase consistency and growth in a league that has never been more competitive. The WNBA’s 2025 season has seen a surge in talent, global interest, and parity, and teams like Indiana find themselves constantly adjusting to stay competitive.

The signing of McDonald represents both a short-term solution and a potential long-term investment, especially if she can recapture the form that made her one of the most exciting players coming out of college. Her ability to apply defensive pressure, initiate fast breaks, and contribute scoring off the bench makes her an immediate impact player for Indiana.

As for Dantas, while her absence will be felt in the short term, it also opens the door for other frontcourt players to step up and fill the void, providing an opportunity for further evaluation of the Fever’s depth. In particular, Indiana will look to younger forwards to contribute meaningful minutes and help maintain competitiveness while Dantas fulfills her national duties.

All eyes now turn to how quickly McDonald can integrate into the Fever’s system, how the team responds to Bonner’s departure, and how the absence of Dantas affects their frontcourt rotation. One thing is certain: the Indiana Fever’s 2025 season remains a work in progress, but the team’s commitment to building a competitive, energetic, and youthful roster is clearer than ever.