PHOENIX — DeWanna Bonner’s second stint with the Phoenix Mercury is ending before the season does.
Phoenix Mercury and DeWanna Bonner reach contract buyout. pic.twitter.com/n81yU7MYjQ
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 24, 2026
The Mercury announced Monday that they have reached a buyout agreement with the veteran forward, allowing her to leave Phoenix and pursue another opportunity for what could be the final postseason run of her career.
The timing comes after the Mercury were eliminated from postseason contention Saturday night with a loss to the Atlanta Dream, turning the final stretch of the year into something of a transition period. For Bonner, however, there is still a chance to compete for a championship — and the Mercury are giving her the freedom to take it.
Aug 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) passes the ball against the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter against the Atlanta Dream at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
With Phoenix no longer in the playoff race, the buyout allows Bonner to pursue a spot with a contender while giving the Mercury an opportunity to focus on the remainder of the season.
Bonner returned to Phoenix midway through the 2025 season, reconnecting with the organization where she began her WNBA career and established herself as one of the league’s premier players. Through 12 seasons, she averaged 13.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals.
Bonner’s story in Phoenix also can’t be told without her impact on the franchise. She helped the Mercury win championships in 2009 and 2014, earned three straight Sixth Woman of the Year awards from 2009-11 and made three All-Star teams while playing in the Valley.
The 2026 season, while not ending the way the Mercury expected, added another layer to that legacy.
Aug 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Sky guard Jacy Sheldon (0) during the first half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Bonner became just the third player in WNBA history to reach 8,000 career points, moved into second place on the league’s all-time games played list and became the winningest player in league history, with 379 regular-season and postseason victories.
While the buyout is a typical roster move in the league, it means more than just that for a player of her caliber. Saturday’s game may have been Bonner’s final game with the Mercury, but it also gives fans a reason to follow what comes next.
Aug 7, 2026; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) drives the ball to the basket against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Bonner has acknowledged she doesn’t know what the future holds, but if another contender gives her an opportunity, fans in Phoenix will have a personal stake in watching how one of the most decorated players in franchise history finishes her postseason career.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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