Candace Parker stands by Fever fans.
Candace Parker Supports Indiana Fever Fans Booing DeWanna Bonner originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When the Phoenix Mercury visited Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 30, the narrative extended beyond the 107–101 Indiana Fever victory. It marked DeWanna Bonner’s first trip back to Indianapolis since parting ways with the Fever in late June.
Fan reaction was swift and loud as each time the six-time All-Star checked in, boos rained down.
Bonner signed with Indiana in February to bring veteran leadership to a young core. Yet, after just nine games, she missed time for "personal reasons" before reportedly saying she "had no interest in returning to play for the Fever," ultimately leading to her release.
On Wednesday, Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston released a new episode of their podcast "Post Moves With Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston," tackling the Bonner boos head-on.
Parker framed the reaction as a rite of passage for any elite player brave enough to change uniforms: "What did you expect? I think this puts women's basketball on the map, I'm not going to lie. Everybody waited for KD to go back to OKC. They booed him. Bron back to Cleveland—booed him... Luka, same thing. It's a privilege."
"And that was expected," Parker continued. "To me, I love being booed. I thought it was a sign of respect. You're not booing somebody that can't get buckets... To be honest with you, DB had to expect this. When you make a conscious decision to leave somewhere and go somewhere else, it’s difficult, but you have to take what comes with it."
🎥Candace Parker KEEPS IT REAL on Fans BOOING Dewanna Bonner:
— J.Mac | Ball Up 🏀| WNBA & NBA (@Gameis_gameLFG) August 6, 2025
“What Did you expect?”
Via @PostMovesShowpic.twitter.com/U1nRoMr9MH
DeWanna Bonner’s Journey This Season
Bonner inked a one-year deal with the Fever this past offseason, initially to start alongside Boston and Natasha Howard and bring invaluable championship pedigree (two-time WNBA champion) to a team hungry for its first title since 2012.
In her Indiana debut on May 17, she passed Tina Thompson to become the WNBA’s third all-time leading scorer.
After three starts, Bonner moved to a reserve role for six games, averaging 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 21.3 minutes, well below her career averages of 14.8 points, six rebounds and 30.2 minutes per game.
After effectively forcing her way out of Indiana, she re-signed with the Mercury, the franchise that drafted her fifth overall in 2009 and with which she won a title in her rookie year.
Bonner Gets Support from Teammate Amid Fan Backlash
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper branded the boos "very distasteful," calling Bonner "the sweetest soul" and a "legend" who deserved respect despite the off-court circumstances.
Coach Nate Tibbetts, recognizing the situation, said, "That's kind of how sports work. You go into a former home of yours and typically, when you don't leave on your terms, the fans aren't going to be happy."
Meanwhile, Fever supporters took to social media to thank Bonner, some in jest, others to voice disappointment over her abrupt exit and perceived lack of commitment to Indiana.
Looking ahead, Indiana heads into the Thursday trade deadline with a 17-13 record, while the Mercury stand at 18-11, just 1.5 games ahead, with both franchises jostling for playoff positioning.
Related: WNBA Team in Line for Punishment After Indiana Fever Game
Related: Lexie Hull Shares Honest Take on Playing Without Caitlin Clark
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
