Shockwaves in the WNBA: Indiana Fever Waives DeWanna Bonner, Betting Big on Caitlin Clark’s Future
The Indiana Fever sent shockwaves through the WNBA on Thursday with a stunning last-minute decision to waive veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, a move that signals a full-scale commitment to building around rising superstar Caitlin Clark. The unexpected roster shakeup comes just weeks before the season tip-off, leaving fans and analysts scrambling to make sense of the franchise’s bold—and potentially risky—strategy.
Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion and five-time All-Star, was widely expected to be a stabilizing force for a Fever team looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023 campaign. Her leadership, scoring ability, and defensive versatility made her a valuable asset, particularly for a young roster still finding its identity. However, Indiana’s front office clearly had other plans, prioritizing long-term flexibility and Clark’s development over short-term veteran stability.
The decision to part ways with Bonner wasn’t made lightly. Sources within the organization suggest that the Fever’s coaching staff and management had been debating the move for weeks, weighing the benefits of Bonner’s experience against the need to fully unleash Clark as the undisputed centerpiece of the franchise. Ultimately, they decided that clearing the way for Clark to take on an even larger role—both on and off the court—was the best path forward.
For Clark, the move represents both a vote of confidence and an immense amount of pressure. The former Iowa phenom, who took college basketball by storm with her deep-range shooting and playmaking brilliance, now finds herself as the undisputed face of the Fever just months into her professional career. While she has already shown flashes of superstar potential in preseason action, the weight of leading a franchise—especially one as historically significant as Indiana—is a daunting challenge for any rookie, no matter how talented.
The Fever’s gamble hinges on Clark’s ability to not only produce individually but also elevate her teammates. Without Bonner’s steadying presence, the team will rely even more heavily on young players like Aliyah Boston, NaLyssa Smith, and Kelsey Mitchell to step up as secondary scorers and leaders. Boston, last season’s Rookie of the Year, will now be tasked with anchoring the defense and providing Clark with a reliable pick-and-roll partner, while Mitchell must assume an even larger offensive burden as the team’s primary perimeter scorer outside of Clark.
From a financial and strategic standpoint, waiving Bonner also gives Indiana additional flexibility in reshaping the roster. Her departure opens up cap space that could be used to pursue another marquee free agent or absorb salary in a potential trade. The Fever have been linked to several disgruntled stars around the league, and this move could be the first step in a larger plan to add more firepower around Clark. Alternatively, Indiana may simply be looking to stockpile draft assets, positioning themselves for future drafts where they can continue adding young talent to grow alongside their franchise cornerstone.
Reaction to the move has been mixed. Some analysts applaud the Fever for fully committing to a youth movement, arguing that Bonner’s timeline didn’t align with Clark’s prime years. Others, however, question whether Indiana is rushing the process, pointing out that Bonner’s mentorship could have been invaluable for a rookie like Clark navigating the pressures of the WNBA. Bonner’s former teammates and coaches have expressed surprise at the decision, with many praising her professionalism and impact in the locker room.
For Bonner, the sudden release marks an unexpected twist in what has been a storied career. At 36, she remains a productive player, averaging 15.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season. Given her pedigree, she is expected to draw immediate interest from contending teams looking to add a proven winner with playoff experience. The Phoenix Mercury, where Bonner won two championships, have already been mentioned as a potential landing spot, though several other playoff-bound franchises could also make a push for her services.
As for the Fever, all eyes will now be on Caitlin Clark to see if she can justify the organization’s faith in her. The preseason hype surrounding her has been immense, with ticket sales and merchandise revenue already spiking thanks to her arrival. But the real test begins when the games count, and Indiana’s decision to waive a player of Bonner’s caliber means there will be no safety net if Clark struggles early.
The move also raises larger questions about the direction of the franchise. Are the Fever fully embracing a rebuild, or is this the first step in a larger plan to fast-track their return to contention? With Clark as the centerpiece, Indiana has a rare opportunity to redefine itself, but the margin for error is slim. If Clark flourishes, the Fever could quickly emerge as one of the league’s most exciting young teams. If she stumbles, critics will point to Bonner’s departure as a premature misstep.
One thing is certain: the Indiana Fever are no longer content with incremental progress. By waiving DeWanna Bonner, they’ve made it clear that this is Caitlin Clark’s team now—for better or worse. The 2024 season will reveal whether that gamble pays off.
