The Indiana Fever made headlines this offseason by signing six-time WNBA All-Star DeWanna Bonner on February 2. Bonner, a two-time champion and one of the league’s top all-time scorers, is expected to bring valuable experience to the team. Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s star player, praised the acquisition, emphasizing Bonner’s competitiveness and leadership as crucial for the team’s success. Clark believes that having a veteran like Bonner will push the entire squad to improve.
Clark highlighted the importance of having teammates who match her level of intensity and competitiveness. She noted that training camp would be an exciting opportunity for players to challenge one another, experiment with different lineups, and fine-tune their skills. According to Clark, Bonner’s leadership style aligns perfectly with what the team needs—someone who sets high standards and motivates others to improve daily.
Bonner, 37, joins the Fever after spending five seasons with the Connecticut Sun, where she played a key role in leading the team to the 2022 WNBA Finals. As she enters the 2025 season, she is just seven points away from moving into third place on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list. Known for her fierce competitive nature and championship experience, Bonner’s presence is expected to elevate Indiana’s young core, including reigning Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark and rising star Aliyah Boston.
The Fever have made significant moves this offseason, positioning themselves as playoff contenders. They finished the 2024 season with a 20-20 record and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Along with signing Bonner, the team retained star guard Kelsey Mitchell, acquired sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham, and added veteran forward Natasha Howard. Additionally, former Connecticut Sun head coach Stephanie White has taken over as the Fever’s new head coach.
Bonner’s familiarity with the organization played a role in her decision to join Indiana. She previously played under Stephanie White and worked with several key staff members during her time with the Sun. She expressed excitement about joining a team committed to growing women’s sports and fostering a strong competitive culture. Bonner will wear the No. 25 jersey for the Fever, as her usual No. 24 was retired in honor of WNBA legend Tamika Catchings.
Clark and Bonner already have a history of on-court competition. The two players had a brief scuffle during last season’s playoff matchup between the Fever and the Sun. However, Bonner downplayed the incident, stating that both players are highly competitive and driven to win. She looks forward to teaming up with Clark and believes their playing styles complement each other well.
With a career average of 15 points, six rebounds, and two assists per game, Bonner’s experience and skill set make her a valuable addition to Indiana’s roster. Her championship mindset and veteran leadership will be instrumental as the Fever look to build on their recent success and compete at a higher level in 2025.
The Fever’s offseason moves signal a clear commitment to surrounding Caitlin Clark with experienced talent and building a strong foundation for future success. With Bonner now in the mix, Indiana has a proven winner who can help the team take the next step in its journey toward championshi
p contention.
