DeWanna Bonner trade destinations: Where could the WNBA vet land?
Front Office Sports' Annie Costabile reported on Tuesday that Bonner has no interest in returning to the Fever amid her five-game absence and prefers to join the Phoenix Mercury or the Atlanta Dream.
"Multiple sources told Front Office Sports that the fit in Indiana was 'off' from the beginning," Costabile wrote in her report about why Bonner wants out of Indy. "Bonner — who was signed to be an anchor with championship experience for the team's young core — was expected to be a starter."
Bonner was indeed a starter for Indiana to start the season, but she was eventually benched in place of guard Lexie Hull. She hasn't played for the franchise since June 10.
The Athletic's Ben Pickman shared that the Fever are exploring trade possibilities, though Costabile said that route is "unlikely" according to multiple sources.
However, let's say Indy was able to swing a trade with one of Bonner's preferred destinations or another contending team. We've analyzed five potential trade destinations within the W.
Phoenix Mercury
Bonner could return to the franchise where she started her career and help the team's "Big Three" in Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas (to whom Bonners is engaged). This would be a huge swing for the Mercury and one that could help them make the WNBA Finals in the first year post-Diana Taurasi's retirement.
Atlanta Dream
The Dream have established themselves as real title contenders this season, and adding Bonner in June, who would fit first-year coach Karl Smesko's 3-point system like a glove, would be a huge win. While Bonner would still likely come off the bench in Atlanta, she would provide excellent bench minutes for the Dream.
New York Liberty
The Liberty might be a great landing spot for Bonner with superstar center Jonquel Jones out with injury. Bonner could wind up in the Finals with the Liberty if all goes well for New York in the second half of the season. She could earn starting minutes now and provide a spark off the bench once Jones gets healthy.
Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx are another bona fide title contender on this list, and Bonner could help Minnesota now with superstar forward Napheesa Collier dealing with an injury. Once Collier gets healthy, Bonner could come off the bench and help the Lynx contend for a championship. This could be a really nice fit for all involved.
Seattle Storm
We'll include the Storm, another surprise contender this season. Bonner might could fit into the starting lineup with Seattle if all went right, but she'd be excellent off the bench. Consider Seattle a long shot, but intriguing nonetheless.
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