Former Indiana Fever star explains decision.
DeWanna Bonner Reveals Why She Chose to Leave Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Indiana Fever entered the WNBA season with high expectations, much of which came from their offseason additions.
Aside from bringing in first-year head coach Stephanie White, the Fever also signed one of the greatest players in WNBA history, DeWanna Bonner.
Bonner was set to make a major impact on Indiana's front court, but things didn't go as expected for both parties.
The former Fever forward was reportedly frustrated with her role and requested a trade out of Indiana. After the Fever were unable to find a suitable partner, Bonner was released.
She wound up signing with the Phoenix Mercury and finally revealed her thoughts behind the decision in a recent interview.
"I mean it's home," Bonner said. "I know I'm going to get the love, the support. Obviously I know a lot of girls on the team, a lot of ladies on the team. Just excited to be back home, some familiarity around the city and the town. I don't even know, I just got here like yesterday so everything's just kind of sinking in. I just wanted to be back home."
DeWanna Bonner said she chose to sign with the Phoenix Mercury instead of another team because Phoenix is “home.”
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) July 8, 2025
“I just wanted to be back home.”#WNBApic.twitter.com/JXxxsvFKUK
Bonner previously played for the Phoenix Mercury from 2009 to 2019. She was drafted by the organization and helped Phoenix earn two WNBA titles during her first stint with the team.
She also spent time with the Connecticut Sun, playing for the Eastern Conference team from 2020 to 2024.
Bonner is now back where it all started, playing in her 16th season in the WNBA.
During her time with the Indiana Fever this season, Bonner posted 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
Related: Chicago Sky React to Angel Reese Announcement Before Indiana Fever Game
Related: Caitlin Clark News Turns Heads on Sunday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
