BREAKING: Indiana Fever Signs Aari McDonald for Rest of Season—Veteran DeWanna Bonner Waived Amid Roster Shake-Up

The Indiana Fever made a significant roster move on Wednesday morning, announcing that they’ve officially signed guard Aari McDonald for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season. In a corresponding decision, the team has parted ways with veteran guard/forward DeWanna Bonner.

From Emergency Fill-In to Full-Time Player

McDonald, 26, had previously joined the Fever on a temporary emergency hardship contract, appearing in three games earlier this season. But it didn’t take long for her to leave a lasting impression.

In limited minutes, McDonald averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game—impressive production for a player just trying to earn her spot.

“I’m so excited to rejoin the Fever,” McDonald said in a team statement. “Although my time with the team was brief, it immediately felt like the place to be. I’m grateful for the warm welcome from the coaches, teammates, and fans—and most of all, I thank God for the incredible journey I’m on.”

Before her brief stint with Indiana, McDonald spent four seasons split between the Atlanta Dream and Los Angeles Sparks, averaging 8.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game over her career.

A Fit for Indiana’s New Identity

Fever COO and General Manager Amber Cox made it clear that McDonald’s style and energy fit perfectly with the team’s current direction.

“From the moment she arrived in Indy, Aari was a clear fit with the style and mentality we are building here with the Fever,” Cox said. “Though only here a few games, her impact as a playmaker and a defender was evident. We are very excited to welcome her back for the remainder of the season.”

With the Fever currently riding a wave of fan attention thanks to rookie superstar Caitlin Clark and a young, dynamic roster, McDonald’s addition could add even more speed and defensive edge to the backcourt rotation.

Bonner’s Departure: A Mutual Decision

The signing of McDonald comes at the expense of DeWanna Bonner, a seasoned WNBA veteran who signed with the Fever as a free agent ahead of the 2025 season.

Bonner, 37, appeared in nine games for Indiana this year, averaging 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. While her experience was valuable, both sides agreed that the fit wasn’t ideal.

“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise,” Bonner said in her farewell statement. “Despite our shared goals and excitement heading into the season, I felt the fit did not work out and I appreciate the organization’s willingness to grant my request to move on, particularly at this point in my career.”

Sources close to the situation suggest that Bonner requested the release to pursue other playing opportunities or to evaluate her future in the league.

What This Means for the Fever

The Fever’s decision highlights their ongoing commitment to building around a younger, faster, and more defensively aggressive core. With Clark orchestrating the offense, and players like NaLyssa Smith and Aliyah Boston dominating the frontcourt, McDonald’s speed and perimeter defense offer a complementary skill set.

Fans will get their first look at McDonald in her full-season role when the Fever return to action this Thursday, June 27, against the Los Angeles Sparks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

With playoff hopes still alive, this mid-season shake-up signals that the Fever are far from done making bold moves.

Stay tuned for more updates.