The Indiana Fever continue to make massive moves in free agency, signing Sophie Cunningham and DeWanna Bonner. Fans are stunned, analysts are speechless, and WNBA legend Cheryl Swoopes is not happy. The Fever have just pulled off one of the biggest moves in WNBA history, assembling elite talent to team up with Caitlin Clark. But this isn’t just about basketball—this move has players, fans, and even rivals fuming.

The bombshell news? DeWanna Bonner has signed a one-year contract with the Indiana Fever, meaning she will now be teammates with Caitlin Clark. The biggest question on everyone’s mind: Why did Bonner choose Indiana over staying with her wife, Alyssa Thomas, in Phoenix? And how does this transform the Fever from underdogs to instant title contenders?

For years, Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner played together for the Connecticut Sun while also raising Bonner’s biological twin daughters. Many expected Bonner to follow Thomas to the Phoenix Mercury, forming a powerhouse duo. Instead, she shocked everyone by signing with Indiana, a team that was struggling just a few years ago. So, what convinced her to walk away from playing alongside her wife?

The Reasons Behind Bonner’s Decision

First and foremost, money plays a crucial role. While contract details haven’t been fully disclosed, it’s clear that Indiana made Bonner an offer she couldn’t refuse. The Fever had cap space and needed veteran leadership to guide their young stars, seeing Bonner as the perfect fit.

Additionally, Bonner is reuniting with her former coach, Stephanie White, in Indiana. Coaching relationships matter, and players often prefer to go where they feel valued and comfortable. Another undeniable factor? Caitlin Clark. She isn’t just any rookie—she’s already one of the most talked-about athletes in women’s basketball. Any veteran would want to play with a generational talent like Clark, whose court vision and playmaking ability elevate her teammates.

This move undoubtedly stings for Alyssa Thomas. She and Bonner weren’t just teammates; they were partners in life. They were supposed to form a dominant duo in Phoenix, but Bonner chose a different path. While Thomas has remained professional in public, it’s hard to imagine this decision doesn’t feel personal.

Adding to the drama, Thomas and Clark had already built some on-court tension last season. That viral moment when Thomas shoulder-checked Clark? That wasn’t just a defensive play—it was a statement. Now, Thomas’s fiancée is teaming up with the very player she went head-to-head with. That has to be tough to swallow.

WNBA Hall of Famer Cheryl Swoopes has not held back her frustrations. While she acknowledges Clark’s talent, she questions why so many veteran players are flocking to Indiana. To her, it feels like the Fever are being handed a championship-caliber roster because of Clark’s star power. Many long-time WNBA players have had to grind for recognition, and now, Clark is receiving instant media hype and attracting top talent before even playing a full season.

However, Clark isn’t doing anything wrong—she’s simply a generational talent who is elevating the league. The controversy lies in whether the system is unfairly favoring Indiana due to Clark’s presence.

Despite the stacked roster, there are no guarantees in basketball. Superteams don’t always work, and chemistry is everything. Bonner, Clark, Natasha Howard, and Sophie Cunningham must find a rhythm and define their roles. And you can bet Alyssa Thomas has already circled the Fever’s games on her calendar—those matchups will be personal.
The WNBA has never been more exciting. The rivalries, the storylines, the drama—it’s must-watch basketball. The question now is: Will this Fever superteam live up to the hype? Only time will tell.