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Michael Voepel
The Indiana Fever have waived guard/ahead DeWanna Bonner, certainly one of their key free-agent acquisitions within the offseason, after she had missed 5 video games as a consequence of what was termed private causes.
The Fever have signed guard Aari McDonald, who was with the staff earlier on an harm hardship contract, for the remainder of the season.
“I need to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the chance to be a part of the Fever franchise,” Bonner mentioned in a information launch. “Regardless of our shared objectives and pleasure heading into the season, I felt the match didn’t work out and I admire the group’s willingness to grant my request to maneuver on, significantly at this level in my profession. I want the Fever nice success as they proceed to construct round this dynamic group of younger gamers.”
Bonner averaged in double figures scoring every of her 15 earlier seasons within the WNBA and has been a full-time starter since 2012. She began simply three of the 9 Fever video games she appeared in and averaged 7.1 factors, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
As she is close to the tip of her profession at age 37, Bonner did not suppose issues would work out the remainder of this season in Indiana and contemplated retirement, sources informed ESPN.
Bonner being waived will enable her to play for an additional staff this season. She has to clear a 48-hour interval the place different groups can declare her on waivers for the rest of the $200,000 wage she is owed by her one-year unprotected cope with the Fever. If no staff does, Bonner is a free agent and might signal for the veteran minimal if wanted to suit into the wage cap of her most popular staff.
Sources have indicated Phoenix, the place Bonner started her profession in 2009 because the No. 5 select of Auburn and received two titles, is certainly one of her most popular locations. Bonner performed her first 10 years in Phoenix and the final 5 in Connecticut earlier than signing with Indiana. She missed the 2017 season after giving beginning to twin daughters.
The Fever revamped their roster this season round No. 1 picks Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, bringing in veterans Bonner, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson to present Indiana extra expertise. On paper, Bonner appeared match for what Indiana wanted.
McDonald, the No. 3 choose within the 2021 draft out of Arizona, performed her first three seasons with Atlanta and final 12 months with Los Angeles. In three video games with the Fever whereas Clark was out with a quad harm this season, McDonald averaged 11.0 factors, 3.0 assists and a couple of.0 steals.
“I am so excited to rejoin the Fever,” McDonald, 26, mentioned in an announcement. “Though my time with the staff was transient, it instantly felt just like the place to be. I am grateful for the nice and cozy welcome from the coaches, teammates, and fans-and most of all, I thank God for the unimaginable journey I am on.”
Fever basic supervisor Amber Cox mentioned in an announcement, “From the second she arrived in Indy, Aari was a transparent match with the model and mentality we’re constructing right here with the Fever. Although solely right here a number of video games, her affect as a playmaker and a defender was evident. We’re very excited to welcome her again for the rest of the season.”