DeWanna Bonner signed with the Atlanta Dream earlier this week in a bid to contend for a third WNBA championship.
However, the start of her stint with the Dream is attracting plenty of criticism, with many in the WNBA world calling out the six-time All-Star for missing the Dream’s game on Friday.
WNBA World Rips DeWanna Bonner As She Sits Out Dream Game
Bonner left the Phoenix Mercury under controversial circumstances after the team missed out on qualifying for the playoffs. She decided to join the Dream in an attempt to possibly contend for a title for the final time in her career.
The move stirred plenty of controversy, with many criticizing Bonner for abandoning the Mercury and the Dream for abruptly waiving two guards to make space for the veteran player.
It was later revealed that Bonner would be missing the Dream’s home game against the Portland Fire on Friday. The reason for her absence on the official injury report has been listed as rest.
The WNBA world was not too pleased with the move, as many called her out for being disrespectful towards her team.
“So let me get this straight… DeWanna Bonner quits on the Mercury. Joins Atlanta, forcing them to cut not just one but two players so that she can ring chase. Then THEN is too lazy to play and will just sit on the bench for “rest”. The disrespect she has is insane,” wrote one WNBA fan on X.
So let me get this straight…
DeWanna Bonner quits on the Mercury.
Joins Atlanta, forcing them to cut not just one but two players so that she can ring chase.Then THEN is too lazy to play and will just sit on the bench for “rest”.
The disrespect she has is insane. https://t.co/vYoq5qmx5d
— trent (@TheTrentHarvey) August 27, 2026
Another user criticized Bonner for her lack of respect for the WNBA.
“Unreal. DeWanna Bonner…the unknown ‘legend.’ She quits in Phoenix to chase a ring in Atlanta…and she is so exhausted from ring chasing that she needs rest tomorrow night. I wonder why people don’t respect the WNBA,” they claimed.
Unreal. DeWanna Bonner…the unknown “legend”. She quits in Phoenix to chase a ring in Atlanta…and she is so exhausted from ring chasing that she needs rest tomorrow night.
I wonder why people don’t respect the WNBA https://t.co/e9F5iUUH3Z
— KC (@kc_btl84) August 28, 2026
Several users on social media trolled the former fifth overall WNBA Draft pick.
“DeQuitter already resting,” wrote one.
DeQuitter already resting. https://t.co/iyaLDvK8ry
— CCFC-New season (@sohali2012) August 28, 2026
Another claimed that Bonner would not play until the first round of the playoffs.
“DB said I’m not playing until Round 1 of the playoffs,” they wrote.
DB said I’m not playing until Round 1 of the playoffs 😭😭 https://t.co/8xzEEYTBwn
— Jayeee (@Ooh_Im_Fanceyy) August 27, 2026
The Dream will face the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday in their final game before the FIBA World Cup break. The expectation now is that the Lynx game will mark Bonner’s debut in Atlanta.
Bonner showed with her performances for the Mercury this season that she is still capable of playing at a high level. The Auburn University alum is averaging 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game this season.
