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It is a season of reunion for the Indiana Fever. With Natasha Howard back in the fold after almost a decade, the team will want to use her experience. Besides Howard, DeWanna Bonner reunites with her at former coach Stephanie White. This season, the Fever is making moves that have got fans buzzing, especially with some of the recent signings. But what do these reunions mean, and how much did Indiana spend to bring these experienced folks under them?

But it is not just the new duo earning a heavy deal. Even Kelsey Mitchell, who has been here with the Fever for the past 7 years, has cracked a deal of $249,244 for her 8th season. The Indiana Fever are building their future around their star guard, and with the inclusion of this new duo, they will never go out of experienced folks taking charge. But beyond the retention, what has got everyone interested is the signing of Natasha Howard and Bonner in free agency. And what is so special that has got everyone to talk about?

The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year brings elite defense and leadership to Indiana, boosting the Fever’s frontcourt. Though the details of the deal have been out of bounds, can you stop insiders from guessing? A recent post by a basketball enthusiast highlighted what the 33-year-old will get. The post on X reads, “Sources confirm that unrestricted free agent Natasha Howard signed with the Indiana Fever for one year, $214,466, protected. That’s the full regular max for Howard, the most she could sign for with any team other than Dallas. #WNBA.” Though the official figures are yet to be out, there is no doubt the lady will find peace in her old home.

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Not just for Howard, even DeWanna Bonner’s official figures are yet to come out. But as said, when the buzz is high, the curiosity is higher. The same user, named Richard Cohen, put it on X, “Sources confirm that unrestricted free agent DeWanna Bonner signed with the Indiana Fever for one year, $200,000, unprotected. Leaves Indiana potentially still able to fit a 12-player roster under the salary cap, just.#WNBA” Only time will tell what the true value holds behind these high-profile signings, but it is for sure that the Fever front office is on a roll.

What makes these deals a true win for the Fever?

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What’s your perspective on:

Are the Fever's big signings enough to shake up the WNBA landscape and challenge the top teams?

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Natasha Howard is a three-time WNBA champion and two-time All-Star. What more do we need to gauge her caliber? From Indiana to Minnesota, Seattle, New York, and Dallas, she has always been on the top of her game. As a result, her salary also grew with her impact. In 2023, she earned $227,900, and $234,350 in 2024 with the Dallas Wings. Being a DPOY, the 6’2 will instill confidence in the team and strengthen the Indiana defense, which was considered poor until last season.

Bonner, the 37-year-old, also comes with her own set of experiences. Her versatility makes her a perfect complement to Howard and Mitchell. Together, this trio could be the foundation of a revitalized Fever squad. DeWanna was the fifth pick in the 2009 draft and has had an incredible career with two championships and five All-Star appearances. Even in her mid-30s, she’s still dominating. Last year, with the Connecticut Sun, she earned a base salary of  $234,350. The Fever roster will now have some of the best players in the league playing together.

USA Today via Reuters

The Fever has committed $1,098,705 of cap space to 10 players, including Mitchel. This leaves $408,495 in cap space for the two recent signs. It is now to be seen who gets what but be rest assured that the Indiana-based team is building a roster that can shake up the WNBA landscape. Stay tuned as the Fever continues to explore their options in free agency!

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Are the Fever's big signings enough to shake up the WNBA landscape and challenge the top teams?

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