Cheryl Reeve, the longtime head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, has reportedly expressed frustration over a surprising development in the WNBA offseason.

DeWanna Bonner, the longtime Lynx captain and one of the most accomplished players in league history, has reportedly chosen to reject a potential reunion with Reeve and the Lynx in favor of pursuing a new opportunity.

Rumors have circulated that Bonner, who spent over a decade with the franchise, is leaning toward signing with the Indiana Fever, where she would be reunited with rising star Caitlin Clark. This potential move has reportedly left Reeve “furious,” according to league sources.

The tension between Reeve and Bonner appears to stem from a combination of factors. Reeve, known for her strong leadership and demanding coaching style, has built the Lynx into one of the most successful franchises in WNBA history. She led the team to multiple championships, with Bonner serving as the face of the franchise for years.

However, sources indicate that Reeve had hoped to keep Bonner in Minnesota for one last run, believing that her veteran leadership would be crucial in mentoring younger players. Bonner’s reported decision to leave has reportedly caught Reeve off guard, leading to frustration and disappointment within the Lynx organization.

For Bonner, the decision to potentially leave Minnesota is not an easy one. She has spent over 12 years with the Lynx, winning multiple championships and becoming one of the most respected leaders in the league. However, reports suggest that she sees greater opportunities for both herself and her daughter, Charli, in Indiana.

The Fever have built a young and exciting core, led by Clark, and are looking to establish themselves as a contender in the Eastern Conference. Bonner’s presence would add championship-level experience to a team that already has elite talent, making the potential move a logical one from a basketball perspective.

Clark’s influence on Bonner’s decision appears to be a major factor. The two reportedly have a strong relationship, having played together on Team USA in the past.

Bonner has been vocal about her admiration for Clark’s talent and game, and many believe that she sees an opportunity to help develop the young star in the same way she once helped elevate Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles during her time in Minnesota.

Reeve, however, reportedly sees this as a betrayal, believing that Bonner’s departure diminishes the Lynx’ chances of remaining competitive in the Western Conference.

Reeve’s frustration is understandable from a coaching and front-office standpoint. She has built her program around Bonner, and losing a player of her caliber—especially one with such a strong connection to the team’s culture—would be a major blow.

Reeve has worked tirelessly to maintain the Lynx’ status as a dynasty, and Bonner’s departure would force the team into an uncertain rebuilding phase.

The Lynx have some promising young talent, but they lack the proven leadership that Bonner provided. Reeve’s reported anger suggests that she may have hoped Bonner would prioritize loyalty to the franchise over other opportunities.

From Bonner’s perspective, however, the decision is about more than just basketball. She has dedicated her life to the sport, and as she nears the twilight of her career, she has the right to choose where she wants to play. Reports indicate that she wants to be closer to her daughter, who currently lives in Indiana.

Additionally, the opportunity to play alongside Clark and help shape the next generation of stars is something that could be appealing. Bonner has always been known as a player who elevates those around her, and she may see this as her chance to leave a lasting impact on the Fever and the league as a whole.

The situation has also sparked broader discussions about loyalty in professional sports. In today’s WNBA, players have more freedom than ever to choose teams based on factors beyond just championships. Family, lifestyle, and personal relationships all play a role in these decisions. While Reeve may see Bonner’s departure as a lack of commitment, Bonner may see it as taking control of her future in a way that aligns with her personal and professional goals. The debate over what matters more—team loyalty or personal fulfillment—is one that will continue to shape conversations in the league.

The Fever, for their part, appear to be fully embracing the possibility of adding Bonner to their roster. Clark has publicly expressed her excitement about the potential reunion, calling Bonner one of the best players she has ever played with.

The addition of Bonner would give the Fever one of the most experienced and accomplished frontcourts in the league, pairing her inside presence with Clark’s perimeter brilliance. If the deal goes through, the Fever could quickly become one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The Lynx, however, may struggle to replace Bonner’s impact. She has been the heart and soul of the franchise for over a decade, and her departure would leave a massive void.

The team has young players like Aneesah Morrow and Alexis Prince, but they lack the proven track record that Bonner brought. Reeve will have to find a way to keep the team competitive, but many believe that losing Bonner may accelerate the Lynx’ need to rebuild.

As the offseason progresses, the situation remains fluid. Bonner has not officially signed with the Fever, and there is still a chance that negotiations could break down or that another team could enter the mix.

Reeve, meanwhile, has reportedly been vocal in team meetings about the importance of keeping the core together, but she may have to adjust her plans if Bonner is truly gone. The next few weeks will determine the future of both franchises, as well as the trajectory of Bonner’s legendary career.

Fans have taken to social media to share their opinions on the situation, with many taking sides. Some have expressed their disappointment in Bonner, saying that she owes it to the Lynx to finish her career there.

Others have supported her decision, emphasizing that players should have the freedom to choose where they play based on what’s best for them and their families. The debate has become one of the biggest stories of the offseason, with both sides making compelling arguments.

At the heart of the matter is the reality that the WNBA is evolving. Players are increasingly prioritizing flexibility, personal relationships, and lifestyle choices over traditional team loyalty.

Bonner’s potential departure from Minnesota is a prime example of this shift. Whether it is the right move or not, it reflects the changing landscape of professional basketball, where players are taking more control over their careers than ever before.

Ultimately, the decision is Bonner’s to make. She has spent over a decade building her legacy with the Lynx, and her impact on the franchise is undeniable.

But as she approaches the twilight of her career, she has the right to decide what comes next. Whether she stays in Minnesota or heads to Indiana, her influence on the game will continue long after her playing days are over.

For Reeve, the situation presents a coaching challenge unlike any she has faced before. She must now find a way to lead the Lynx into the future without one of the greatest players in franchise history. Whether she succeeds or struggles will depend on how well she adapts to the new landscape of the team. Reeve remains one of the best coaches in the league, and if anyone can navigate this transition, it is her.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Bonner and the Fever. If the deal happens, it will be a major shakeup for both teams and could have lasting implications for the league’s competitive balance.

If it doesn’t, the Lynx will have another chance to keep their championship core intact. No matter what happens, this story is far from over.