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DeWanna Bonner's next team: Best fits for former Mercury star amid buyout

Nairavoice · Aug 24, 2026 · 2 min read

DeWanna Bonner’s next team: Best fits for former Mercury star amid buyout originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Phoenix Mercury on Monday bought out DeWanna Bonner’s contract, giving the six-time All-Star a chance to pursue another championship this year.

Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion, will be free to sign with the contender of her choosing in what is likely her final professional season. Bonner turned 39 last week and is winding down her 17th season in The W.

Thank you, DeWanna 💜 pic.twitter.com/UAnnP5o9Ax
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— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 24, 2026

Bonner, who was signed in the spring to a one-year, $500,000 contract, will be available for the minimum salary of $277,000 (prorated) once she hits free agency. And three contenders will have the requisite cap space to sign her for the stretch run as they pursue a title.

Bonner’s best fit: Atlanta

The up-and-coming Dallas Wings and the veteran-laden New York Liberty could make a run at Bonner with their cap space.

But the veteran’s best choice is probably the Atlanta Dream.

The Dream is fourth in the standings with a 25-13 record. Atlanta has a top-five offense and a top-five defense by efficiency, but it needs length, scoring and experience off the bench.

Bonner provides all three. She is first among active players in points scored and second in career steals. She is averaging 10.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 2026 — not bad for a 39-year-old.

Bonner’s versatility and scoring punch would add another layer to the Dream’s offense, which is led by the All-Star duo of Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard.

Adding Bonner would give Atlanta — the second-best rebounding team in the league — another presence on the boards next to Angel Reese.

Most importantly, Bonner’s experience as a veteran of four WNBA Finals series would be invaluable to a Dream franchise trying to get over the hump for the first time.

The fit appears to be strong on paper; only time will tell if player and team agree.