Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream are reportedly adding a proven playoff performer just before the postseason starts.
After agreeing to a buyout with the Phoenix Mercury on Monday, six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner is set to join Atlanta, potentially giving the veteran another opportunity to chase a championship before calling it a career.
The move has already sparked plenty of discussion around the WNBA.
Angel Reese’s Dream Make Surprise DeWanna Bonner Signing
Bonner is in her 17th WNBA season and was looking for another chance to compete for a title. The three-time Sixth Player of the Year’s desire to join a contender was reportedly accommodated by Phoenix, leading to the buyout.
On Wednesday, WNBA insider Annie Costabile reported that the two-time champion would join Reese and the Dream, news that quickly drew reactions from around the league.
DeWanna Bonner will sign with the Atlanta Dream for the remainder of the regular season & their playoff run, sources familiar tell @TheAthletic
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) August 26, 2026
“WNBA is not a serious league. How does a player who got eliminated from the playoffs just get to join another team?” a Caitlin Clark supporter wrote.
WNBA is not a serious league. How does a player who got eliminated from the playoff just gets to join another team? 😂
— Indy (@Priy66349) August 26, 2026
“Can’t do this in any other professional sports league but the WNBA. What a joke. Embarrassing,” a sports observer added.
“This really should not be allowed, like, wth??? Just become HER TEAM failed to make the playoffs. She crying about it and wants to switch teams???? I seriously can’t believe the @WNBA can do this???,” another league observer pounced on the same point.
The timing is especially notable for Indiana fans. Atlanta is 25-13 and sits fourth in the standings, just half a game ahead of the Indiana Fever at 25-14.
With the Dream and Fever potentially meeting in the first round, Bonner’s arrival has naturally drawn even more attention.
“Can you do this in the NBA? This is weird,” a Fever supporter reacted.
Can you do this in the NBA? This is weird
— Rudy Harlan (@RudyHarlan8) August 26, 2026
“They should immediately be investigated for tampering,” an X user urged the WNBA to act on the deal.
“How is this type of transaction allowed to occur with teams heading into the playoffs? Joke,” another Fever supporter tweeted.
How is this type of transaction allowed to occur with teams heading into the playoffs? Joke
— Drake (@El_Drakes5150) August 26, 2026
The move, however, is permitted under the WNBA’s rules. Teams and players can mutually agree to a buyout during the season. If no team claims the player off waivers within 48 hours, she becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Bonner’s addition gives Atlanta a 17-year veteran with deep playoff experience.
In 37 games with Phoenix this season, she averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. She also helped the Mercury reach the WNBA Finals last year, averaging 9.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, and 1.0 apg during their postseason run.
Bonner brings a championship pedigree to the team, but her biggest impact could come when the Dream’s championship aspirations are tested.
