DeWanna Bonner Set to Rejoin Phoenix Mercury After Indiana Stint

In an anticipated move within the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), veteran guard/forward DeWanna Bonner is expected to finalize a contract with the Phoenix Mercury in the coming days, according to sources familiar with the situation. Bonner, who is 37 years old, originally began her professional career with the Mercury after being drafted fifth overall in the 2009 WNBA Draft out of Auburn University. During her decade-long tenure with the Mercury, she secured two WNBA championships, solidifying her status as a key player in the league.

After spending ten successful seasons in Phoenix, Bonner made the transition to the Connecticut Sun in 2020, where she continued to excel for five seasons. This year, she signed with the Indiana Fever as one of their major off-season acquisitions. However, her time with the Fever was short-lived; after participating in only nine games and citing personal reasons for missing five, Bonner was waived by the team on June 25, 2025, allowing her to pursue other opportunities.

Bonner expressed gratitude towards the Fever organization for their support during her brief tenure, stating, "I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise. Despite our shared goals and excitement heading into the season, I felt the fit did not work out and I appreciate the organization's willingness to grant my request to move on, particularly at this point in my career. I wish the Fever great success as they continue to build around this dynamic group of young players." (Voepel, M. 2025)

Throughout her 15-year career in the WNBA, Bonner has averaged 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 511 regular-season games. She has also participated in 87 playoff games, where she averaged 13.7 points and 6.8 rebounds, earning her recognition as a six-time WNBA All-Star (Weinfuss, J. 2025).

The Mercury, currently positioned with a record of 12-6, are tied for second place in the league standings alongside the New York Liberty. The team's performance reflects a strong season thus far, setting the stage for Bonner's potential contributions upon her return. The Mercury are hoping that Bonner's experience and skills can bolster their playoff aspirations as they compete against teams like the Dallas Wings, with whom they are set to clash later this evening.

This signing is expected to resonate positively not only within the Mercury organization but also across the league, as Bonner's return to Phoenix marks a significant chapter in her storied career. The implications of her signing are far-reaching, potentially enhancing team dynamics and performance as they aim for a deeper playoff run.

In a league that is continuously evolving, Bonner’s experience and leadership will be invaluable assets to the Mercury as they navigate the remainder of the season. This anticipated move also highlights the ongoing narrative of veteran players shifting teams in search of better fits, and raises questions about the balance of youth and experience in professional women's basketball.