PHOENIX — The news of DeWanna Bonner’s contract buyout Monday morning caught the whole basketball world by surprise, but especially the fans who have been cheering her on here in the Valley.
Jun 24, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston (7) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Mercury announced Monday that they reached a buyout agreement with Bonner, allowing the veteran forward to pursue a postseason opportunity with another team after Phoenix was eliminated from playoff contention Saturday. Bonner’s path with the Mercury had essentially reached its competitive end, but the buyout allows her to join a contender and potentially make another postseason run late in her career.
Jul 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) against the Seattle Storm at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“Being able to return to Phoenix and play in front of the best fans in the WNBA these past two seasons has been an incredible experience,” Bonner said in a press release. “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. The fans, this community and the Mercury organization have embraced me throughout my career, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Being part of this franchise has given me so many incredible memories, and Phoenix will always be a special part of my career.”
For Mercury fans, the news brought a mix of disappointment, understanding and appreciation, especially for a player who has been part of the franchise for so much of her career.
I’m happy for DB, hope it’s her joining a contending team https://t.co/li0gBJTywV
— Lisa (@Lisa00781256892) August 24, 2026
https://t.co/QbAVWQSnjT pic.twitter.com/j1LmItX4cj
— Ty (@tycnvz) August 24, 2026
i am so lucky to have experienced her greatness as a member of the x factor. what a fucking legend. https://t.co/qkoRc0PxRw
— k ❤️🔥 (@penr0sesteps) August 24, 2026
Love you DB🥺 https://t.co/GMvKQH2fZr
— Helen (@helens2017) August 24, 2026
Bonner returned to Phoenix midway through the 2025 season, coming back to the organization where she spent the first 10 seasons of her WNBA career. She helped Phoenix win championships in 2009 and 2014 and became one of the most accomplished players in franchise history.
That history is part of what makes the buyout bittersweet. Fans won’t get to see Bonner make another postseason run in a Mercury uniform, but they can understand why the organization would allow her to continue competing for a championship.
Jul 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) battles for a rebound against Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner (42) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For a player who has spent so much of her career in Phoenix, fans now have another reason to keep watching the postseason — even if Bonner isn’t wearing Mercury across her chest.
Bonner has acknowledged that she doesn’t know what the future holds. At 39, every postseason opportunity carries more weight, particularly for a player who has already accomplished nearly everything the league has to offer.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Fans cheer during the first half of game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals between the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Mercury fans won’t see Bonner chase another championship in Phoenix this season, and if this is the final chapter of her career, they’ll have plenty of reasons to remember her for what she gave the franchise — and one more reason to cheer for her from a distance.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
DeWanna Bonner’s time with the Mercury ends with the playoffs on her radar
