DeWanna Bonner will sign with the Atlanta Dream for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs, according to league sources cited by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. The 17-year WNBA veteran agreed to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Mercury after the franchise was eliminated from postseason contention, clearing waivers to enter the free-agent market as the Dream gear up for a playoff run.
DeWanna Bonner Agreement and Financial Terms
Bonner’s new deal with Atlanta is for a prorated maximum salary, paying her roughly $116,000 through the remainder of the season, according to league sources. Phoenix general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement that the buyout was granted out of organizational respect to give the veteran forward a chance to chase another championship. The Dallas Wings, New York Liberty, and Washington Mystics were the three other playoff-bound franchises with enough remaining cap space to offer a prorated max deal.
Atlanta Dream Roster Fit and Standings Impact
The Dream enter the final stretch of the regular season holding a 25-13 record and the fourth seed in the league standings. While head coach Karl Smesko has utilized seven different starting lineups this year, the team’s primary starting five of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese is not expected to change immediately. Bonner’s arrival gives Atlanta substantial depth and invaluable postseason experience, complementing a squad already riding a four-game winning streak.
Phoenix Mercury Career History and Playoff Resume
Selected fifth overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2009 WNBA Draft, Bonner spent her first 11 professional seasons with the organization. After subsequent stints with the Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever, she returned to Phoenix in 2025. Across 572 career games, the two-time WNBA champion has missed the postseason just once and holds career playoff averages of 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Did You Know? DeWanna Bonner is set to make her 16th career playoff appearance, bringing extensive championship pedigree to an Atlanta roster hungry for its first title.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is DeWanna Bonner eligible to make her Atlanta Dream debut?
Bonner cleared waivers on Wednesday and could make her debut as early as Friday night at home against the Portland Fire, depending on coaching staff decisions.
What prompted the buyout with the Phoenix Mercury?
Phoenix general manager Nick U’Ren stated that the buyout agreement was reached to respect the veteran player and offer her an opportunity to compete in what could be her final postseason after Phoenix was eliminated from playoff contention.
Which other teams attempted to sign Bonner?
The Dallas Wings, New York Liberty, and Washington Mystics possessed the necessary cap space to offer Bonner a prorated maximum contract before she ultimately chose the Dream.
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