After agreeing to a buyout with the Phoenix Mercury, 39-year-old star DeWanna Bonner now joins a team with postseason aspirations. Bonner is now a member of the Atlanta Dream after playing 37 games with the Phoenix Mercury this season.
Prior to her debut for the Dream, she revealed head coach Karl Smesko’s pitch that helped sway her decision.
Dream Head Coach Karl Smesko Gave DeWanna Bonner the Green Light
At 39 years old, Bonner’s professional career is in its twilight. Typically, athletes nearing retirement are better off playing for teams with legitimate playoff hopes. Leaving the Mercury, who had been eliminated from playoff contention earlier, made sense for her.
After agreeing to a buyout with Phoenix, Bonner had a plethora of options. On paper, she seemed like a natural fit for several contending teams. However, something about the Dream’s roster drew her in. Additionally, a simple pitch from Smesko helped seal her decision to come to Atlanta.
The team’s chemistry played a major role in the six-time All-Star’s decision. She said she felt like she was joining a team that was really close and took care of each other. Bonner also added that due to Smesko’s laid-back demeanor, he didn’t offer her a formal pitch. Instead, he simply gave her the opportunity to let the ball fly from beyond the arc.
“Karl’s just so laid back and quiet,” Bonner said. “He’s just like, ‘Hey… you want to shoot threes?’ Come here.”
DeWanna Bonner on what her first conversation was like with HC Karl Smesko and coming to Atlanta:
Question: @MTMVSportsKarl [Smesko] is so chill and laid back. I don’t even know if he had a pitch. It was more so like, the team and the players that kind of like drew me in how… https://t.co/OG08AqZmBs
— Wilton C. Jackson II (@WiltonReports) August 30, 2026
Bonner made her debut for the Dream on Sunday against the Minnesota Lynx. Atlanta came into the contest with a 25-14 record and had already clinched a spot in the postseason. Despite their positive record, they were still in for a tough challenge.
The Lynx had the league-best record of 31-8. They had suffered a loss prior to Sunday’s matchup, but had only suffered back-to-back losses one time this season.
Despite that, the Dream stepped it up during Bonner’s debut game. They defended their home court against the Lynx with their leaders stepping up.
Three Atlanta players finished with a double-double, led by Allisha Gray’s 23 points and 11 rebounds. Angel Reese added 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jordin Canada added 16 points and 10 assists.
Meanwhile, the newly added two-time WNBA champion saw plenty of action, coming off the bench for 17 minutes. She scored 7 points on a 3-of-5 shooting clip, including 1-of-3 from downtown.
These contributions were enough for the Dream to put the Lynx away, 89-81. The Dream are now 26-14, while the Lynx fall to 31-9.
Bonner’s addition provides the kind of depth that contending teams covet in the postseason. Her contributions off the bench, along with the wealth of experience she provides, will help the Dream come playoff time.
