DeWanna Bonner signs with Atlanta Dream after Mercury buyout
DeWanna Bonner is signing with the Atlanta Dream for the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season after the Phoenix Mercury bought out her contract, ESPN reported. The six-time All-Star cleared waivers and chose Atlanta over the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty as she pursues what could be a final championship run.
Bonner's deal is for the prorated maximum, roughly $116,000, according to ESPN. The Atlanta Dream confirmed the signing in a team announcement, calling her a two-time champion and six-time All-Star on a rest-of-season contract.
Key Takeaways
- Phoenix bought out Bonner's one-year, $500,000 contract to free her for a late-season title chase.
- Bonner signed with Atlanta for about $116,000 after clearing waivers; the Aces and Liberty also pursued her.
- At 39, Bonner ranks third in WNBA career scoring and adds deep playoff experience to a 25-13 Dream team.
- Atlanta waived guards Aaliyah Nye and Jaylyn Sherrod to make roster room.
- Bonner is expected to come off the bench for a Dream club seeking its first championship.
Why did the Phoenix Mercury buy out DeWanna Bonner's contract?
The Mercury announced the buyout on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, with Phoenix eliminated from playoff contention after a loss to Atlanta. General manager Nick U'Ren said the move was not about fit but about honoring Bonner's wish to compete in what could be her final postseason.
"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," U'Ren said in a statement reported by The Athletic. Bonner's agent, Mike Cound, said the buyout terms were time served, freeing cap space and a roster spot for Phoenix.
Bonner thanked the Mercury in her own 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," she said.
What does DeWanna Bonner bring to the Atlanta Dream?
Atlanta entered play Wednesday at 25-13, fourth in the WNBA standings, with its fourth consecutive playoff berth secured. The Dream's starting five of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon and Angel Reese has been among the league's best, with Howard, Gray and Reese earning 2026 All-Star selections.
Bonner adds championship pedigree and postseason depth. She is the WNBA's all-time postseason rebounds leader, has appeared in 15 postseasons and four Finals, and ranks second in playoff history in points and steals. ESPN noted she is expected to come off the bench.
In 37 games for Phoenix this season, including 26 starts, Bonner averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals. She ranks third in league history in career points and fifth in rebounds, and is the only three-time Sixth Player of the Year in WNBA history.
Who else was pursuing Bonner?
ESPN reported that the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty were also in the mix before Bonner cleared waivers Wednesday evening. The Dream had reportedly been interested in signing her for multiple years.
Teams had 48 hours to claim Bonner off waivers at her full $500,000 salary, but she went unclaimed and negotiated freely. For more high-profile roster moves, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
What is Bonner's WNBA legacy?
Drafted fifth overall by Phoenix in 2009, Bonner spent the majority of her 17-season career with the Mercury, winning titles in 2009 and 2014. She also played five seasons in Connecticut, where she helped the Sun reach four semifinals and the 2022 Finals, and appeared in nine games for Indiana last season before returning to Phoenix.
At 39, Bonner is the second-oldest player in the league and one of just three WNBA players with at least 7,000 points, 3,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists. A Fairfield, Alabama native and former Auburn star, she chases one more ring with Atlanta.