The Phoenix Mercury have reached a buyout agreement with two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner’s team published on Monday.
That move, which makes Bonner eligible for a waiver, was inappropriate. Instead, the intent was to give the six-time All-Star a chance to compete in the postseason in what could be her final year in the WNBA.
“DeWanna has been an important part of our team and has brought tremendous leadership, experience and competitiveness to Mercury,” said general manager Nick U’Ren. “Because of the relationship we have with DeWanna, we have created a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason.”
Bonner signed a one-year, $500,000 non-protected contract. The terms of the buyout expired on time, according to Bonner’s agent, Mike Cound. This allows the Mercury to save a small amount of money for the seven remaining regular season games during which Bonner will be out of contract, and frees up a roster spot if U’Ren wants to sign another player for evaluation before next season.
WNBA teams will have 48 hours to retire Bonner. However, in order to do that, they need to have the full $500,000 per year worth of her salary available in the cap space. If Bonner clears waivers, she will become an unrestricted free agent and can negotiate with any team. The minimum he can sign for is a pro-rated $300,000 veteran’s minimum, which would be just under $35,000 if he plays five games through the regular season.
The Mercury drafted Bonner with the 5th pick in 2009. She spent 10 seasons in Phoenix, during which she was a member of the franchise’s title teams in 2009 and 2014; she also earned three All-Star honors of her own and became a three-time Sixth Player of the Year with the Mercury. In 2020, Phoenix sent her to the Connecticut Sun in a sign-and-trade. There, she made three more All-Star teams and helped the Suns to four semifinal appearances and a trip to the 2022 Finals, where the Suns lost to the Las Vegas Aces.
After five seasons in Uncasville, Conn., she signed a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever before last season, but waived it after playing nine games. Bonner then signed with the Mercury and helped the team advance to the 2025 WNBA Finals, where the Phoenix swept by the Aces.
The Mercury, currently 12th in the league standings with a 13-24 record, have been one of the biggest disappointments of the 2026 season as they quickly fell out of title contention. Saturday’s 99-89 loss to the Atlanta Dream eliminated Phoenix from this season’s playoff race.
Bonner boasts a lengthy postseason resume that could make her a valuable asset for a team looking to make a deep playoff run. She averaged 9.1 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Mercury during last season’s Finals.
“At this point in 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 last opportunities in the postseason,” Bonner said. “The fans, this community and the Mercury organization have embraced me throughout my career and I will always be grateful for that. Being a part of this franchise has given me so many incredible memories and Phoenix will always be a special part of my career.”
