Bonner Joins Title Contenders
WNBA Star DeWanna Bonner Seeks Championship After Securing Buyout From Phoenix Mercury
Key Points
Two-time WNBA champion with Phoenix (2009, 2014) and three straight Sixth Woman of the Year awards (2009-2011).
Bonner is Phoenix's all-time leader in total rebounds, second in steals behind Diana Taurasi, and ranks third in rebounds and assists in franchise history.
The Mercury attempted to bolster their roster at the trade deadline by acquiring All-Star guard Kelsey Plum, but couldn’t salvage the season.
Bonner's career arc includes five seasons with the Connecticut Sun, a waiver by the Indiana Fever, and a 2025 return to Phoenix; she has played 61 games for Phoenix since returning.
The Phoenix Mercury bought out six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner on August 24, freeing the 17-year veteran to chase a championship with a playoff-contending team TSN. The buyout clears the path for Bonner, who won two titles with Phoenix in 2009 and 2014, to sign elsewhere as the Mercury face postseason elimination with less than 10 games remaining USA Today.
Bonner has cemented her legacy as one of the WNBA's all-time greats. She became only the third player in league history to reach 8,000 career points and ranks second on the all-time games played list Arizona Family. Mercury general manager Nick U'Ren praised her leadership and said the buyout gives Bonner a final chance to win another ring.
Historic Career Built in Purple
Bonner spent 12 seasons with the Mercury and became the winningest player in WNBA history Central Oregon Daily. She earned three consecutive Sixth Woman of the Year awards from 2009 to 2011. The forward leads Phoenix in total rebounds and ranks second in steals behind Diana Taurasi, cementing her place in franchise lore.
Why Phoenix Let a Franchise Pillar Go
The Mercury's 2024 season fell short despite a mid-season trade for All-Star guard Kelsey Plum USA Today. Phoenix couldn't salvage enough wins to make the playoffs. With the WNBA's hard salary cap and roster limits, buying out Bonner's contract became the clearest path to free up resources and give a loyal veteran one more shot at glory.
Contenders Line Up for Champion-Seeking Veteran
Several playoff-bound teams could pursue Bonner as an unrestricted free agent Yahoo Sports Canada. The Las Vegas Aces, Dallas Wings, and Washington Mystics all have title aspirations and cap space. Bonner's championship pedigree, floor leadership, and proven playoff experience make her a valuable addition for any contender making a Finals push.
A Final Chapter in the Pursuit of Gold
Bonner expressed gratitude to the Mercury, fans, and Phoenix community in the buyout agreement Arizona Family. The forward said she will carry the memories and experience forward. At 17 seasons in, this could be her last postseason run. Finding the right team could give Bonner one final chance to add a third championship ring to her Hall of Fame resume.
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