WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has weighed in on DeWanna Bonner’s controversial mid-season departure from the Indiana Fever, questioning how the exit was handled and addressing the loud boos Bonner received from fans on her return to Indianapolis.
Bonner had joined the Fever for the 2025 season but left after only nine games, citing personal reasons. While the team attempted to arrange a trade, she was eventually released on June 29. She later rejoined the Phoenix Mercury, where she began her professional career back in 2009.
Speaking on her podcast, Cunningham praised Bonner’s talent and called her a future Hall of Famer, but pointed out that her sudden exit lacked courtesy. She said Bonner didn’t reach out to teammates before leaving, and suggested that a short message or a respectful goodbye could have made a difference.
Cunningham admitted she was surprised Bonner even signed with Indiana in the first place, but emphasized that Bonner deserved peace and happiness as she approached the end of her career. Still, she noted that leaving without proper communication naturally led to a negative reaction from fans. She said anyone in that situation should expect some backlash, including boos.
The jeering from Fever fans didn’t sit well with Mercury star Kahleah Copper, who defended Bonner’s character and legacy. Copper said she admired how Bonner stayed composed during the game despite being heckled. She called the crowd’s behavior disrespectful and said Bonner deserved better after all she has contributed to the league.
Copper described Bonner as kind-hearted and said the negativity was unnecessary. She acknowledged that things didn’t work out in Indiana but felt the fans’ reaction crossed a line.
The incident has sparked discussions across the WNBA community, raising questions about how players should handle team changes and how fans should respond when things don’t go as planned.
