Ex-Fever star facing backlash after quitting on her team

DeWanna Bonner signed a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever in February 2025. The team viewed her as someone who would provide a strong locker room presence and championship experience, having won two rings in her stellar career. The six-time All-Star started the first three games of last season before coming off the bench in the next six. However, she quit on the team, saying it “felt the fit did not work out.”

Bonner then joined the Phoenix Mercury, and she appeared in 11 games, including one start. She helped the team reach the WNBA Finals but they lost via a sweep to the Las Vegas Aces. Phoenix re-signed her in April, but this season did not go according to plan.

The Mercury have been eliminated from playoff contention with a 13-24 record and 12th in the standings. Bonner is already 39 years old and this year could be her last in the league.

Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) against the Las Vegas Aces.

Fans criticize former Fever forward DeWanna Bonner for recent move

Bonner and Phoenix agreed to a contract buyout on Monday. The move allows her to sign with a playoff-bound team and giving her a chance to chase another championship before she retires.

Breaking: DeWanna Bonner and the Phoenix Mercury have agreed to a contract buyout, the team announced.

GM Nick U’Ren: “We worked out a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason.”

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) August 24, 2026

Fans had a lot to say about her for quitting on the Mercury.

“DeQuitter Bonus,” one fan wrote.

“So she gets to play with a playoff team when she had NOTHING to do with getting them there,” a reaction read.

“Quit on 2 teams, eh?” one user commented.

“nobody sign her …second year in a row quit on her teammates,” posted another.

“Quitting on another team again,” a comment read.

“Quit on the Fever, and is now taking a buyout to ring chase. All-time selfish piece of trash,” another fan said.

It remains to be seen which team will sign Bonner. However, many believe that she will take her talents to Las Vegas, especially after NaLyssa Smith’s non-contact knee injury on Sunday.