The Phoenix Mercury announced it reached a contract buyout with long-time veteran DeWanna Bonner on Monday. The Mercury clinched a 2026 WNBA playoff berth, so this agreement will give Bonner an opportunity to compete in what could be the final playoff run of her career. Bonner has competed in the playoffs 15 times, including 10 with Phoenix.
Bonner was part of the Mercury's WNBA championship teams in 2009 and 2014. "DeWanna has been an important part of our team and brought tremendous leadership, experience and competitiveness to the Mercury," Mercury general manager Nick U'Ren said in a statement. "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.
DeWanna will always be part of the Mercury family, and we wish her all the best." Bonner has spent the majority of her career with the Mercury, starting as a rookie in 2009. She signed a multi-year deal with the Connecticut Sun in 2020 and played five seasons with the franchise before signing with the Indiana Fever ahead of the 2025 season. The Fever ultimately waived Bonner in June, which allowed her to sign with the Mercury.
In a statement shared by Phoenix, Bonner said she is grateful she had the opportunity to return to the franchise she started her career with. "Being able to return to Phoenix and play in front of the best fans in the WNBA these past two seasons has been an incredible experience," Bonner said in a statement. "At this stage of my career, I don't know what the future holds, but I'm grateful to the Mercury for giving me the opportunity to play in what could be one of my final postseason opportunities.
"The fans, this community and the Mercury organization have embraced me throughout my career, and I'll always be grateful for that. Being part of this franchise has given me so many incredible memories, and Phoenix will always be a special part of my career."
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