What does Bonner’s addition mean for the Fever’s title potential? With the addition of DeWanna Bonner, after already securing Natasha Howard and Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever are now firmly in the championship conversation alongside the New York Liberty, the Minnesota Lynx, and the Las Vegas Aces. Bonner has just put the entire WNBA on notice, and her wife, Alyssa Thomas, is not happy.
Instead of joining forces with Thomas at the Phoenix Mercury, Bonner packed her bags for Indiana to team up with none other than Caitlin Clark. This decision means Bonner will now be separated from her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas. The two have been teammates for years at the Connecticut Sun, making this move even more shocking. Why did Bonner choose Indiana over Phoenix? Let’s break down exactly why this move makes the Fever instant contenders and why Alyssa Thomas is struggling to handle it.
Looking at all the trades and moves made this season, Bonner’s decision might not have been the most obvious, but it is one of the most impactful. With what Indiana now has, they have built a team ready to compete. DeWanna Bonner just shook up the WNBA, and not just with her skillful play. This six-time All-Star had a choice this offseason, and everyone thought it was a no-brainer—follow her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas, to Phoenix and chase another championship. But she shocked everyone by heading to Indiana instead.
Bonner’s move raises questions. The Fever haven’t reached the WNBA Finals in years, so what did she see in Indiana? The answer lies in the Fever’s transformation. With Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and key additions like Natasha Howard and Sophie Cunningham, the Fever are no longer a rebuilding team—they are contenders.
Bonner brings veteran leadership, championship experience, and elite versatility. Standing at 6’4″ with a wingspan that disrupts defenses, she can guard multiple positions and knock down shots with precision. In the 2024 season, she averaged 15 points and six rebounds per game while shooting over 41% from the field. More importantly, she thrives in high-pressure situations, making her invaluable for a young team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Adding Bonner gives the Fever the stretch-four player they desperately needed. While not the biggest-name signing, this move addresses key gaps in the roster, making Indiana a serious championship threat. In the 2024 playoffs, Bonner dropped 37 points in two games against the Fever and played a key defensive role against Caitlin Clark. That performance clearly left an impression, as Indiana decided, “If you can’t beat her, sign her.”
With Bonner, the Fever have secured one of the most experienced postseason players in WNBA history. Her 87 playoff appearances are more than any other player, bringing invaluable experience to a team that lacked it. But how does Alyssa Thomas feel about all of this? Her fiancée just chose to play alongside Caitlin Clark instead of joining her in Phoenix. That’s got to sting.
Alyssa Thomas is undoubtedly feeling the weight of this decision. While she understands Bonner’s move from a professional standpoint, it’s still a tough pill to swallow. The couple built a strong partnership both on and off the court, and they were expected to continue that dynamic in Phoenix. Instead, Bonner opted for a fresh challenge, aligning herself with a rising star and a promising team. Thomas, known for her fiery competitiveness, will have to channel this frustration onto the court, possibly setting up an intense rivalry.
This move isn’t just about basketball—it’s about believing in a vision and taking a risk. Playing alongside Caitlin Clark, a player who has been rewriting record books, is a significant draw. Bonner has long respected Clark’s game, and now she gets to be part of her journey firsthand.
But why else did Bonner choose the Fever? One major factor is her connection with head coach Stephanie White. Having played under White before, Bonner knows what to expect and trusts her leadership. This familiarity, combined with Indiana’s potential, made the decision more compelling. The Fever are no longer a team struggling at the bottom of the league; they are building a contender, and Bonner wants to be part of it.
Meanwhile, Alyssa Thomas must come to terms with her fiancée’s decision. Instead of dominating together in Phoenix, they will now face off as opponents. This adds a personal edge to what was already shaping up to be an exciting season. How will Thomas respond? If history is any indication, she will channel her emotions into her game, making her even more dangerous on the court.
