Mercury Buy Out DeWanna Bonner’s Contract, Freeing 6-Time All-Star to Pursue Title Run The Phoenix Mercury have finalized a buyout agreement with DeWanna Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star, allowing her to pursue a potential title run with another team. The decision, announced on Monday, was not driven by a lack of fit but rather by the desire to give Bonner a chance to compete in the postseason, which could mark her final year in the WNBA. General Manager Nick U’Ren emphasized the significance of Bonner’s contributions to the team, stating, “DeWanna has been an important part of our team and brought tremendous leadership, experience, and competitiveness to the Mercury. 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.” Bonner, who was signed to a one-year, unprotected contract worth $500,000, will now be eligible to be claimed off waivers. The buyout terms, described by her agent Mike Cound as “time served,” allow the Mercury to save a small portion of the $500,000 salary for the remaining seven regular-season games during which Bonner will not be under contract. Additionally, the move frees up a roster spot for potential future signings. WNBA teams have 48 hours to claim Bonner off the waiver wire, but they must have the full $500,000 annual value of her salary available in cap space. If Bonner clears waivers, she will become an unrestricted free agent and can negotiate with any team. The minimum she can sign for is a prorated amount of the $300,000 veteran minimum, which would equate to slightly less than $35,000 if she plays five games through the rest of the regular season. Bonner’s career with the Mercury began in 2009 when the team drafted her with the No. 5 pick.#mercury #wnba #connecticut_sun #dewanna_bonner #nick_uren
WNBA Salary Cap Expansion Sparks Overpay Debates The WNBA expanded its salary cap this season, leading to a surge in free agency activity and several high-profile contracts. While some deals have proven to be solid investments, others have raised concerns about long-term value as teams navigate the challenges of maintaining competitive rosters. The season has exposed discrepancies between player performance and contract expectations, prompting discussions about how teams will adjust their strategies in the coming offseason. Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor, who ranks fourth in league salary, was signed under the assumption that her defensive versatility and scoring ability would make her a key asset for a rebuilding team. The Storm used the core designation to retain her, aiming to anchor their roster during a transition period. However, Magbegor has played in just nine games due to injury, and her absence has left a void in Seattle’s frontcourt. Younger players like Dominique Malonga and Awa Fam are now seen as the team’s future, making it imperative for the Storm to trade Magbegor this offseason. If she remains on the payroll into 2027, it could complicate efforts to build a competitive team, especially with significant holes elsewhere on the roster. Alanna Smith, Dallas Wings Alanna Smith, the Dallas Wings’ highest-paid player, was signed to a three-year deal after her Defensive Player of the Year performance with the Minnesota Lynx. The Wings hoped her leadership and defensive skills would elevate their team, but Smith has faced challenges this season. Facial injuries early in the year have impacted her aggression, leading to a decline in her on-court effectiveness. The team’s offensive rating has dropped to 105.3 when Smith is on the floor, compared to 115.#dallas_wings #portland_fire #seattle_storm #connecticut_sun #wnba_salary_cap
Brittney Griner Draws WNBA Punishment After Incident With Angel Reese During Dream Reunion The matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Connecticut Sun was expected to be a key moment for Brittney Griner, who previously played for the Dream before joining the Sun. However, the game’s most notable moment involved an incident between Griner and Angel Reese, which drew attention to the league’s enforcement of new rules. The clash occurred in the fourth quarter, sparking discussions about officiating and player conduct. With 7:43 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Atlanta Dream led the Connecticut Sun 68-65. The tension escalated when Reese, playing for the Dream, engaged with Griner under the basket after a missed shot. Officials ruled that Griner had wrapped her hand around Reese’s arm, causing the Dream forward to fall to the floor. The call resulted in Griner being assessed her first Flagrant 1 foul of the 2026 season, sending Reese to the free-throw line, where she converted one of two attempts. The incident highlighted the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rules, which impose stricter penalties for flagrant fouls. A Flagrant 1 foul carries an automatic $500 fine and one flagrant point, while a Flagrant 2 results in a $1,000 fine, two flagrant points, and an automatic ejection. Players who accumulate four flagrant points during the season face a one-game suspension. Griner now has one flagrant point, and three more would trigger an automatic suspension. The ruling also placed Griner’s situation in the context of broader league efforts to address inconsistent officiating and rising physicality. Last season, the WNBA faced criticism for perceived leniency in calling fouls, particularly in high-stakes games.#angel_reese #wnba #brittney_griner #connecticut_sun #atlanta_dream
WNBA and NBA Approve Relocation of Connecticut Sun to Houston as Comets Return in 2027 The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have officially approved the sale of the Connecticut Sun to Houston-based businessman Tilman J. Fertitta, marking the return of professional women’s basketball to Houston after a 17-year absence. The team, which will be rebranded as the Houston Comets, is set to begin its new era in the 2027 season. The decision follows years of anticipation and underscores the growing significance of women’s sports in the city. The relocation of the Sun from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut to Houston is a historic milestone for the WNBA. The Houston Comets, the original franchise, were a dominant force in the league, winning four consecutive championships from 1995 to 1999 before folding in 2008. The return of the team to Houston is seen as a revival of the city’s basketball legacy and a testament to the enduring appeal of the sport. The transition will take place over the 2026 season, during which the Sun will continue to play its home games in Connecticut but will also host two regular-season matches at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 30 and July 2. Additionally, the team will travel to Boston for a game at TD Garden on August 18 before permanently relocating to Houston. Mohegan Sun Arena will remain the team’s home for the 2026 season, with plans to move to Houston in 2027. The economic impact of the relocation has been highlighted by a Rice University professor, who estimated the move could generate over $70 million in economic activity based on data from recent expansion projects. This projection reflects the potential boost to Houston’s tourism, hospitality, and local businesses, particularly as the city seeks to strengthen its profile as a hub for professional sports.#nba #wnba #connecticut_sun #tilman_j_fertitta #houston_comets
Cotie McMahon Projected to Connecticut Sun in Final WNBA Mock Draft at No. 15 The 2026 WNBA Draft, set to begin in New York on Monday, April 13, has generated significant anticipation as teams finalize their strategies for the upcoming season. While the first overall pick has remained uncertain, recent developments in free agency have narrowed the focus for the Dallas Wings, who are expected to select UConn guard Azzi Fudd at No. 1. Other candidates for the top spot include Spanish forward Awa Fam, UCLA center Lauren Betts, and TCU guard Olivia Miles. However, the spotlight has shifted to Ole Miss standout Cotie McMahon, whose projected selection in USA TODAY’s final mock draft highlights her potential impact on the league. McMahon, a versatile forward with a strong offensive skill set, is anticipated to be chosen at No. 15 overall by the Connecticut Sun. The Sun’s selection of McMahon aligns with their need for a dynamic wing player capable of contributing immediately. McMahon’s ability to score from midrange, drive to the basket, and create space for teammates makes her a valuable asset for a team looking to strengthen its offensive options. Her high-energy playstyle and adaptability to different roles—whether as a wing or forward—position her as a key addition to the Sun’s roster. The mock draft, which incorporates potential trades and protections, reflects the evolving landscape of the WNBA. McMahon’s projected pick at No. 15 underscores her status as a first-round talent, despite the competition from other top prospects. Her performance at Ole Miss, where she averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc, has solidified her reputation as a well-rounded player.#ole_miss #azzi_fudd #wnba_draft #connecticut_sun #cotie_mcmahon
Brittney Griner Signs Seven-Figure Deal with Connecticut Sun Ahead of Relocation Ten-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner has secured a seven-figure contract to join the Connecticut Sun, as confirmed by sources to ESPN on Friday. The Sun officially announced the one-year deal with Griner on Saturday, though the exact financial terms remained undisclosed. The move marks a significant step for the franchise as it prepares for its final season in Connecticut before relocating to Houston in 2027. Griner, a 35-year-old Houston native, played collegiately at Baylor and has long been associated with the city, making the relocation a natural progression for her career. Griner will join a young core being developed by the Sun, which includes Connecticut’s first-round draft picks Leila Lacan, Saniya Rivers, and Aneesah Morrow. The team has also acquired Diamond Miller and Aaliyah Edwards to bolster its roster. Free agent Kennedy Burke, who previously spent two seasons with the New York Liberty, has also agreed to a one-year deal with the Sun. Burke, a key player in the Liberty’s 2024 championship run, brings experience and leadership to the squad. Griner’s professional journey has been defined by both domestic and international success. A 6-foot-9 center, she is a six-time All-WNBA selection, seven-time All-Defensive team member, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, eight-time blocks leader, and two-time scoring champion. Her career began with the Phoenix Mercury, where she was selected first overall in 2013. The Mercury won a championship in 2014, and Griner became a cornerstone of the team. However, her tenure with Phoenix ended in 2023 when she joined the Atlanta Dream, marking a new chapter in her career. Last season with the Dream was a stark contrast to her previous dominance.#brittney_griner #connecticut_sun #leila_lacan #saniya_rivers #aneesah_morrow
