After only nine games with the Indiana Fever, veteran WNBA player DeWanna Bonner is reportedly seeking to leave the team. According to Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, multiple league sources indicate that Bonner has "no interest" in returning to the Fever. Bonner's preferred destinations are reportedly the Phoenix Mercury or the Atlanta Dream, and it remains to be seen whether she will be traded or waived.

Bonner, a six-time All-Star, signed a one-year, $200,000 contract with the Fever in February. The Fever hoped that Bonner's experience and defensive versatility would be a valuable addition to the team, especially alongside rookie Caitlin Clark. Clark herself spoke highly of Bonner before the season, praising her leadership and championship experience.

Bonner started the first three games of the season for Indiana before head coach Stephanie White moved her to a bench role, inserting Lexie Hull into the starting lineup. She played six games off the bench before being sidelined for "personal reasons," missing the last four games. In her brief stint with the Fever, Bonner averaged career lows in points (7.1) and rebounds (3.8) while playing 21.3 minutes per game. Last season with the Connecticut Sun, she averaged 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds.

The reasons behind Bonner's desire to leave Indiana remain somewhat unclear. Sources told Front Office Sports that the fit in Indiana was "off" from the beginning, even though she was expected to be a starter. Fever coach Stephanie White, when asked about Bonner's situation, stated that she was focused on the players currently with the team.

Several factors could complicate Bonner's departure. Her $200,000 salary might be difficult for the Mercury or Dream to absorb under the salary cap. There is also no certainty that either team is willing to trade assets for a player who may be nearing the end of her career. If a trade does not materialize, the Fever could waive Bonner, absorbing the cost of her pro-rated salary and opening up a roster spot. If waived, other teams would have 48 hours to claim her. If she clears waivers, she would become an unrestricted free agent.

Bonner has strong ties to both of her preferred destinations. She began her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury in 2009, playing there for ten seasons. Additionally, her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas, currently plays for the Mercury. This connection could make Phoenix a particularly appealing option for Bonner.

The Fever will need to decide how to proceed. While trading Bonner would be ideal, her limited market and apparent unwillingness to play for Indiana may force them to consider a waiver. The situation adds another layer of complexity to a Fever season already filled with challenges, as they attempt to integrate a new roster and contend in a competitive WNBA landscape.