The Indiana Fever introduced DeWanna Bonner to the team at a press conference Monday afternoon, officially welcoming the 15-year veteran to Indianapolis.
Bonner, who played the past five seasons for the Connecticut Sun, was signed by the Fever on February 2 in the midst of one of the biggest free agency days in franchise history. Along with Bonner, the Fever signed Natasha Howard and received Sophie Cunningham and Jaelyn Brown via trade, catapulting the Fever into title contention seemingly overnight.
"When we talk about the the greatest players in the history of the WNBA, [Bonner] doesn't get mentioned enough," said Fever GM Amber Cox. "But when you look at her resume, there are very few people that compare to all of the accomplishments that she has put on her resume thus far."
Cox went on to list off Bonner's accolades. The WNBA veteran is just seven points away from passing Tina Thompson as the third-highest scorer in WNBA history. Bonner has played in more playoff games than any other player in league history, winning two WNBA titles.
She also played under Fever head coach Stephanie White in Connecticut for the past few seasons, which means the two are immediately reunited in 2025.
"[Wanting Bonner in Indiana] was a no brainer," said White. "She is a Hall of Famer, she is a great teammate, and she's a tremendous leader... You don't play this long at this high of a level in this league without knowing what it takes to be great and what it takes to be successful."
Bonner said she made the decision for selfish reasons, both her relationships with the Fever staff and the fact that her twin daughters (Cali and Demi) live in Indiana with Bonner's ex-wife Candice DuPree-- who is a former Fever player herself.
Aside from the personal reasons, Bonner joined the Fever for another reason-- she wants to win.
"I think everyone's seen the second half of [the Fever's 2024] season, it was an unbelievable season," said Bonner. "I feel like they have a dynamic core, and I just wanted to be another puzzle piece into what they have. Hopefully I can give my knowledge, my leadership to these young players so when I retire they can pass it along."