In a league full of controversy surrounding transgender players and their eligibility, we have received another update – DeWanna Bonner has reached a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Mercury.
The WNBA world had much to say about Bonner’s second exit from Phoenix, with many claiming she is just chasing rings.
WNBA World Reacts to DeWanna Bonner’s Phoenix Mercury Contract Buyout
Bonner is in her 17th season, so if she’s going to chase rings, she doesn’t have any other option but to do it now. The Mercury thanked the 39-year-old for her time with the franchise, and Bonner admitted she is looking for ‘postseason opportunities.’
Phoenix Mercury and DeWanna Bonner reach contract buyout. pic.twitter.com/n81yU7MYjQ
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 24, 2026
The WNBA world made its feelings clear on Bonner’s situation.
Some don’t believe Bonner has any chance to ‘help’ another team win the championship, no matter the situation, asking, “Which team does she help win the championship?????”
Which team does she help win the championship????? https://t.co/Nr8sDBWuem
— Ill name this x later (@ill_name_this_x) August 24, 2026
Bonner is obviously nearing the end of her career at 39, but if this season is any indication, she can still be helpful on the court. However, she must be much more efficient than she has been so far this season.
Avid women’s sports supporter JB thinks Bonner is either staying out west or coming to the east, with one team in each conference in mind.
“I only see DeWanna Bonner going to either one of two places,” they said via X. “Either staying out west (most likely outcome) or coming to the east. Time will tell.”
I only see DeWanna Bonner going to either one of two places. Either staying out west (most likely outcome) or coming to the east.
Time will tell 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/fu7GcdTqk1
— JB🫡 (@jbj23__) August 24, 2026
The West Coast team would likely be the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, while there has been speculation about which other team they may be referring to. Of course, some of the posts omit the fact that Bonner won titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014.
Bonner was drafted by the Mercury with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 Draft and remained there until 2020, when she was traded to the Connecticut Sun. Bonner left the Sun in 2025 to sign with the Indiana Fever, but in June 2025, Annie Costabile, citing multiple sources, reported that Bonner “[had] no interest in returning to play for the Fever.”
Meanwhile, a Mercury fan believes Bonner will be a big help for the stretch run.
“Whoever ends up with DeWanna Bonner will end up with a player who’s motivated & playing some high-level basketball the last few months,” they wrote. Can play in any role & provide impact, especially defensively, & add to a team’s foundation. Will be fun to see where she ends up & how quickly she becomes a key contributor. Also, the media will greatly enjoy talking with her. She’s one of the best.”
Leadership and simply being a veteran presence can really help a team in the huddle and in the locker room. One user believes this move could create future problems.
“This is a terrible loophole and also kinda a bad precedent,” they said. “How is this even allowed while trade window is closed?”
This is a terrible loophole and also kinda of a bad precedent. How is this even allowed while trade window is closed?
— Uncle Sam (@UncleSa81737680) August 24, 2026
It does allow a potential title-contending team like the Fever to add a six-time All-Star and champion down the stretch, which could play a factor in deciding who raises that trophy this season, so it’s understandable that some are frustrated with the situation.
One user is calling on Bonner to retire after getting to taste free agency again.
“R E T I R E. who’s going to protect her now with AT not on her side?” Sikkelee asked. “Quitting another team AGAIN.”
R E T I R E. who’s going to protect her now with AT not on her side? Quitting another team AGAIN.
— Sharon Sikkelee (@scsikkelee) August 24, 2026
Another fan is in a similar boat and thinks Bonner is simply ring chasing. “She’s ring chasing so bad lmao, season is literally almost over,” they wrote.
When Bonner left the Fever to return to the Mercury, it was mostly excused because she wanted to reunite with her fiancé, Alyssa Thomas, on the floor. The two previously played together with the Sun.
The former Auburn Tiger is averaging 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 27.6 minutes per game this season. She’s shooting 39.4% from the field and 26.2% from three, with everything aside from rebounds coming down from her career averages of 14.3 points and 2.2 assists per game, with 41.4% shooting from the floor and 30.2% from three.
Bonner is also a six-time All-Star, a first-team All-WNBA player in 2015, a second-team All-WNBA player in 2020, and a three-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year.
Obviously, Bonner isn’t the same player she once was, but the veteran can certainly help a contending during the stretch run.
With NaLyssa Smith going down with a knee injury in Sunday’s 88-78 victory over the Toronto Tempo, the Aces could be a good fit, with many believing it to be her ultimate destination.
The Washington Mystics and Dallas Wings have also been floated as potential landing spots for Bonner.
