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
DeWanna Bonner Joins Atlanta Dream After Phoenix Mercury Buyout Free agent forward DeWanna Bonner is set to join the Atlanta Dream following her contract buyout with the Phoenix Mercury, according to sources who spoke to ESPN on Wednesday. The move marks a significant addition to the Dream’s roster, which is looking to secure its first WNBA championship. Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star, will sign with the Dream for the remainder of the 2026 season, with her deal valued at approximately $116,000—prorated to the maximum allowed for free agents. The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty were also considered potential destinations for her, though the Dream had pursued her for several years. Bonner is expected to finalize her agreement with Atlanta on Thursday. Bonner’s decision to seek a buyout came after the Phoenix Mercury were eliminated from playoff contention, allowing her to pursue a title shot with a new team. The 39-year-old forward, who is the second-oldest player in the league, was granted the buyout by Phoenix, which had already cleared her off waivers earlier in the week. Phoenix general manager Nick U’Ren expressed his support for Bonner’s decision, stating, “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’s career with the Mercury spanned 17 seasons, during which she was drafted in 2009 and became a key contributor to the team’s success. She also spent five seasons with the Connecticut Sun and nine games with the Indiana Fever before returning to Phoenix. This season, Bonner averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals while starting 26 of 37 games.#wnba #phoenix_mercury #atlanta_dream #dewanna_bonner #nick_uren
