Full Breakdown
DeWanna Bonner Signs with Atlanta Dream Ahead of Playoffs
8/27/2026, 3:45:41 AM
Core Move
Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, a 17-year WNBA veteran, has agreed to join the Atlanta Dream for the remainder of the 2026 season and the ensuing playoffs. The signing follows a contract buyout with the Phoenix Mercury, which was eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the month. Bonner will receive a prorated maximum salary of roughly $116,000 for the balance of the season.
Career Background
Bonner was selected No. 5 overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2009 draft and spent the bulk of her 17-season career with the franchise. She has also played for the Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, and a brief stint with the Indiana Fever in 2025 before returning to Phoenix. A two-time WNBA champion (2009, 2014), six-time All-Star, and three-time Sixth Woman of the Year, she ranks third all-time in career points and fifth in career rebounds. She has missed the postseason only once and is poised for her 16th playoff appearance.
Statistical Profile
- 2026 regular-season averages (with Phoenix): 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals per game; 39.4 % field-goal shooting, 26.2 % from three.
- Career playoff totals: 98 games (most in league history).
- League rankings: 3rd in all-time points, 5th in all-time rebounds, 2nd in regular-season games played (eight shy of Sue Bird).
- Dream bench production: 17.2 points per game, the second-lowest total among all WNBA teams this season.
Impact on Atlanta’s Title Quest
The Dream entered the season fourth in the league with a 25-13 record, trailing the Golden State Valkyries by 1.5 games for the No. 2 seed. Their starting core—Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese—has carried the team, but depth has been a concern, especially after the season-ending injury to forward Brionna Jones. Bonner’s veteran experience and ability to guard multiple positions are expected to bolster the bench and provide additional rebounding support for Reese in the paint. Analysts note that her presence could shift the balance in a potential first-round matchup against the Indiana Fever, the No. 5 seed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At this stage of my career, I don't know what the future holds, but I'm grateful to the Mercury for giving me the opportunity to play in what could be one of my final postseason opportunities,” — Phoenix. Bonner, dream signed veteran
What’s Next
Atlanta has six regular-season games remaining, including matchups against the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty. The Dream must waive one player to create a roster spot for Bonner, as the team already carries the league maximum of 12 standard contracts. The WNBA will pause for the FIBA Women’s World Cup from Aug. 31 to Sept. 16, giving the Dream time to integrate Bonner before the postseason begins.
