WNBA Fans Spark DeWanna Bonner Conspiracy Theory Amid Fever Exit originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With Wednesday’s news that the Indiana Fever were waiving guard DeWanna Bonner, many fans aired their grievances with her over social media.
Advertisement
Some fans accused the six-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion of quitting on her teammates just 14 games into the season.
Others alleged that Bonner was a poor sport and reacted immaturely to being benched in favor of Lexie Hull — a player who had outperformed Bonner when given the opportunity and had seen her role in the Fever’s offense grow.
But one particular fan believed Bonner had an ulterior motive before news of her release — to try and force the Fever into trading her to the Phoenix Mercury, where she could play with her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas.
“Conspiracy theory…The Mercury were never able to afford DB on a max in the summer, Now she gets her max from Indy for 40% of the season AND she can play for Phoenix and barely loses a cent…” @DBGyt_ wrote on X.
Advertisement
Trading Bonner, who signed a one-year, $200,000 contract, would have been incredibly difficult, especially to the Mercury, who have a little over $88,000 in cap space.
Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) reacts to a call against the New York Liberty.© Grace Smith-Imagn Images
But since Bonner was released, she has to clear waivers after 48 hours to become a free agent. According to Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, WNBA teams were told not to claim Bonner on waivers because she wants to sign with the Mercury.
If that happens, Bonner can only sign for the veteran minimum of $78,831, which is well within Phoenix’s available salary cap.
Though Bonner is no longer part of the Fever, that didn’t stop fans from venting about the possibility Bonner tried to play the team’s front office.
Advertisement
“Bro. 🤯 I was unprepared for this villain origin story,” one fan wrote.
“And bingo was her name-o. She put on a bad performance on purpose. Gets benched then throws tantrum. If it can be proven…isn’t this tampering? of some sort?” another fan added.
“So she planned this whole thing for the money and to re-unite with AT? We got scammed! I’ll bet Stephanie White might quit too,” one user exclaimed.
“DB played the Fever front office. That will make me not like her that much more. She could have done the same thing and left with class. Disappointing,” remarked another user.
Related: Fans Buzzing After Fever Sign Ex-Caitlin Clark Teammate to Replace DeWanna Bonner
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
