DeWanna Bonner has signed with the Atlanta Dream after agreeing to a buyout with the Phoenix Mercury. The 39-year-old, two-time WNBA champion averaged 10.6 points and 6.1 rebounds with the Mercury this season, which is expected to be her last in the league.
But though she had a strong season individually, the Mercury have had a disappointing one — they’re currently 13-26 and out of the playoff mix. As such, Bonner — who previously won two titles with Phoenix — agreed to a buyout with the franchise.
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“Because of the relationship we have with DeWanna, we worked out a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason,” general manager Nick U’Ren told reporters, per Eliav Gaby. “DeWanna will always be part of the Mercury family, and we wish her all the best.”
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbets echoed the sentiment.
“This was done out of respect for DB,” he said. “This is an opportunity for her to chase a title in possibly her last season. Everything happened on great terms, and she’s always gonna be part of the Mercury organization.”
Bonner’s deal will be for a prorated maximum salary, which will pay her about $116,000 through the rest of the season, which ends on September 24th. She’ll also be with the Dream throughout the postseason.
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How DeWanna Bonner fits in with the Dream
The Atlanta Dream have had a strong 2026 campaign; they’re currently 25-13, owners of the league’s fourth-best record. The Dream are led by a trio of All-Stars — Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese — in addition to a supporting cast that includes Jordin Canada, Naz Hillmon, and, when healthy, Brionna Jones.
Bonner is likely to come off the bench and provide a scoring spark — as well as a perimeter defender with length and size. At 6’4, she gives Atlanta more lineup flexibility.
Bonner previously played with Jones on the Connecticut Sun, so there’s already some history between her and key players on the roster.
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Right away, Bonner brings a level of playoff experience that no other player on the Dream roster possesses; Bonner has made the playoffs in 16 of her 17 pro seasons (11 with the Mercury and 5 with the Sun). She averaged 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in her playoff career. She is the WNBA’s all-time leader in playoff rebounds and ranks second in playoff points and steals.
Given the fact that Jones has missed significant time this season, Bonner also provides a bit of injury insurance for the Dream. She’ll join a bench rotation that includes center Madina Okot and guards Isobel Borlase and Te-Hina Paopao.
