The Phoenix Mercury and six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner have reached an agreement to buy out her contract, the team announced Monday.
The move sends Bonner to the waiver wire, and she would become an unrestricted free agent if she is not picked up. In her 17th season, Bonner would then be clear to sign with any team. Both Bonner and general manager Nick U’Ren indicated she is looking for a chance to participate in the playoffs with her career winding down.
“DeWanna has been an important part of our team and brought tremendous leadership, experience and competitiveness to the Mercury,” 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.”
According to Bonner’s agent, Mike Cound, there
According to Bonner’s agent, Mike Cound, there were no issues with Phoenix that drove her to seek the buyout.
“They were great,” Cound told ESPN. “Many teams in the league wouldn’t consider this, but this is a special circumstance and Phoenix is a very player-friendly organization. She’s really appreciative of them.”
Bonner, 39, played her first 10 seasons in Phoenix, where she won two championships, became a three-time All-Star and three-time Sixth Player of the Year. She moved on to the Connecticut Sun for five seasons before she signed with the Indiana Fever in 2025. Bonner lasted less than a season with Indiana and returned to Phoenix. She helped the Mercury return to the Finals last season, where they were swept by the Las Vegas Aces.
Bonner was named All-WNBA twice, to the All-Defensive team in 2015 and All-Rookie in 2009.
The 2026 season has been a disappointment
The 2026 season has been a disappointment in Phoenix. The Mercury have a 13-24 record, which eliminates them from the playoffs. Bonner averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 2026 and started 26 of 37 games. She ranks third in league history in career points and is just the third ever to score 8,000 points. The 2009 No. 5 draft pick ranks fifth in career rebounds, sixth in career steals, 10th in career 3-point field goals, third in career minutes and is No. 20 in career blocks.
“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,” Bonner said. “The fans, this community and the Mercury organization have embraced me throughout my career, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou contributed to this report.
Source: www.espn.com
