Full Breakdown
DeWanna Bonner Joins Atlanta Dream for Title Run
8/27/2026, 10:58:25 AM
Core Event
Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner signed with the Atlanta Dream for the remainder of the 2026 season and the ensuing playoffs. After the Phoenix Mercury were eliminated from playoff contention, Bonner secured a buyout, cleared waivers on a Wednesday evening and became an unrestricted free agent before agreeing to a prorated maximum contract with the Dream.
Background & Context
Bonner entered the 2026 season with the Phoenix Mercury, the franchise that drafted her fifth overall in 2009. She has spent 17 seasons in the league, winning two championships (2009, 2014) and earning six All-Star selections. The Mercury’s loss to Atlanta on August 22 (99-89) officially ended their postseason hopes, prompting the mutual buyout agreement announced two days later. Bonner, then 39, described the decision as a chance to pursue one of her last championship opportunities.
Data & Statistics
- Season averages: 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game (37 games, 26 starts).
- Shooting: 39.4 % from the field, 26.2 % from three-point range.
- Career milestones: third all-time in league scoring, fifth in rebounds, second all-time in regular-season games played (eight shy of Sue Bird).
- Dream record: 25-13 overall, fourth in the league standings.
- Bench production: 17.2 points per game, the second-lowest total among all WNBA teams.
- Contract value: prorated maximum worth about $116,000.
Official Statements & Responses
Phoenix GM Nick U’Ren emphasized the long-standing relationship with Bonner and the desire to let her “chase a title” rather than remain with a non-contending roster. Bonner’s own statement expressed gratitude to the Mercury organization and fans, noting uncertainty about her future but appreciation for the opportunity to compete in what could be her final postseason. Atlanta’s front office highlighted the need for depth after forward Brionna Jones suffered a left-leg injury on August 13, leaving the Dream’s bench scoring thin.
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
- “I’m told Bonner’s deal is at the prorated max, which comes out to about $116,000,” — ESPN’s Alexa Philippou
Impact on Playoff Picture
The Dream’s frontcourt now pairs Bonner with Angel Reese, Naz Hillmon and the injured Brionna Jones. Bonner’s playoff experience—98 career postseason games, the most in league history—adds veteran leadership and interior presence. With the bench averaging only 17.2 points per game, her scoring and rebounding could address a key weakness as the team prepares for the postseason. If the current seedings hold, Atlanta (fourth seed) would meet the Indiana Fever (fifth seed) in the first round, potentially pitting Bonner against a former team.
What’s Next
The Dream have six regular-season games remaining before the playoffs begin. Their next scheduled matchup is against the Portland Fire, where Bonner could make her debut. The team must waive one player to accommodate the new contract, as it already carries the league maximum of 12 standard contracts. The postseason will determine whether Bonner’s addition translates into Atlanta’s first franchise championship.
