DeWanna Bonner GOES OFF On Lexie Hull After LEAVING Caitlin Clark & Indiana Fever!
DeWanna Bonner? More like DeWanna Bounce. Because that’s exactly what she did—bailed on her team like a diva denied her spotlight. What we just witnessed is peak unprofessionalism, folks. And now she’s going off on Lexie Hull after leaving Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever for stealing her spot.
DeWanna Bonner’s mid-season meltdown is now being called one of the most dramatic and unprofessional exits by a veteran in league history. What started as a hopeful signing has now unraveled into a story of ego, entitlement, and embarrassment—fueled by the rise of Caitlin Clark and a hard-working team unwilling to hand out unearned minutes.
From “Mama Bear” to Missing in Action
When Bonner inked a deal with the Indiana Fever in February, many assumed the six-time All-Star would bring leadership, scoring, and poise to a rising squad headlined by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. She was embraced immediately—nicknamed “Mama Bear,” celebrated for her career accomplishments, and expected to guide the young team through the growing pains of a rebuilding phase.
But expectations and reality clashed violently.
Bonner started the season ice-cold, averaging just 2.6 points per game on a dreadful 2-of-12 shooting over her first three appearances. For a player once known for versatility and big-game moments, the production simply wasn’t there. And when Head Coach Stephanie White made the logical choice to bench her in favor of rising guard Lexie Hull, things took a hard left.
A Bench Role? Bonner Says, “I’m Out”
Rather than respond like a true pro—grind, lead, and earn her minutes—Bonner pulled the plug. She cited “personal reasons” and stepped away from the team entirely, missing five straight games with vague explanations that had fans scratching their heads. Now, it’s obvious: this wasn’t about personal emergencies—it was about pride.
She wasn’t hurt. She wasn’t grieving. She was butt hurt.
Lexie Hull Earned It. Bonner Couldn’t Take It.
Lexie Hull, a young, gritty guard with a deadly three-point shot and hustle for days, didn’t take Bonner’s spot—she earned it. She played hungry, made winning plays, and sparked a defensive identity the Fever desperately needed.
That should’ve inspired a veteran like Bonner. Instead, it reportedly infuriated her.
Hull’s rise exposed Bonner’s decline. Her speed, her shooting, her motor—everything Bonner lacked this year. From there, Bonner’s choice was clear: fade into the background, or rage quit the season. She chose the latter.
“I Want Out”: Trade Request Denied
Bonner requested a trade mid-season, hoping to land somewhere more accommodating—possibly back to the Phoenix Mercury, or the Atlanta Dream, both reportedly her preferred destinations. But no team bit. Her stock, both on and off the court, had plummeted. No one wanted the baggage.
Ultimately, the Fever had no choice but to cut ties, officially waiving Bonner and replacing her with Aari McDonald, who immediately made her presence felt.
Aari McDonald: The Anti-Bonner
McDonald, signed on a hardship contract, showed what real hunger looks like. In her first three games, she averaged 11 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals, becoming a fan favorite overnight. No drama. No complaints. Just pure effort.
In other words—everything Bonner wasn’t.
Did She Tank on Purpose?
Conspiracy theories are swirling. Did Bonner purposely tank her performance to get out of Indiana and back to Phoenix, where her partner Alyssa Thomas plays? Some fans think so. Others believe she simply underestimated the pressure that comes with playing alongside Caitlin Clark—America’s most-watched and scrutinized athlete in women’s basketball.
One thing’s clear: Bonner expected to coast. Instead, she found herself benched, humbled, and eventually gone.
What This Says About the WNBA’s Old Guard
Bonner’s flameout represents more than just personal drama—it’s symbolic of a deeper clash between the old guard of the WNBA and the new era ushered in by Caitlin Clark and her generation of rising stars.
Some veterans have embraced the spotlight Clark brings. Others—like Bonner—appear rattled by it. For over a decade, Bonner flew under the radar. But when the lights got brighter, the cameras more intense, and the competition younger and fiercer, she folded.
Instead of being the bridge between eras, she became the cautionary tale.
Final Thoughts: Good Riddance?
Let’s call it what it is: DeWanna Bonner quit on her team. She was outplayed by a younger player, couldn’t accept a lesser role, and vanished when things didn’t go her way.
In a season filled with pressure, excitement, and hope for the Indiana Fever, Bonner chose to be a distraction, not a contributor.
And as for her “thank you” message to the Fever after all that? That’s like setting a house on fire, then sending a thank-you card for the warmth.
Good riddance.