Okay, so get this: The Phoenix Mercury absolutely did not waste a second after DeWanna Bonner’s exit, immediately signing rookie guard Saylor Poffenbarger to a seven-day contract. Talk about moving fast! This whole whirlwind came down just a single day after Bonner officially reached a buyout agreement with the team, a move that only happened because Phoenix got unceremoniously knocked out of playoff contention. For Bonner, the 38-year-old veteran in her 17th WNBA season, it means a real shot at joining a contender before this season wraps up. And for the Mercury? It’s all about checking out a fresh face, a young gun, during these final few games.
The Vet Steps Aside, A Huge Door Swings Open
Let’s be real, DeWanna Bonner was a colossal piece of the Mercury’s lineup, no two ways about it. She played in 38 games this season, putting up some seriously solid numbers: we’re talking 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Those aren’t just stats; that’s a significant chunk of production the team relied on. She was fourth on the team in scoring and third in both rebounding and steals. That’s a massive hole to fill, right? But with Phoenix officially out of the postseason picture, the team and Bonner made the call. It’s always tough to see a legend like Bonner, who’s been balling out for 17 years, head out the door. But you gotta give props to a player wanting one last, legitimate shot at glory, even if it means leaving the team she’s known for so long. The Mercury, meanwhile, get to use this time to evaluate new talent.
Saylor Poffenbarger’s Audition Is Live!
Alright, now for the new blood: Saylor Poffenbarger. She’s a 23-year-old guard who went undrafted earlier this year, but still managed to snag a deal with the Chicago Sky. She got a tiny taste of WNBA action there, appearing in five games, averaging just 5.2 minutes, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.4 steals. Let’s be honest, those aren’t exactly scream-it-from-the-rooftops numbers. But this seven-day contract with Phoenix? This isn’t just any short-term gig. This could be her golden ticket, her *real* moment to shine. With no playoff pressure looming, the Mercury can actually give her extended minutes, a longer look, and truly see what she’s capable of.
Poffenbarger’s college stats are definitely worth a second look. In her final year at Maryland, she started all 31 games, putting up some impressive averages: 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.9 steals. Leading the Terrapins in rebounding as a *guard* is a serious flex, and she ranked second in both assists and steals, too. That kind of board-crashing ability from a guard could absolutely help her make a case for more minutes in Phoenix’s rotation. Look, the Mercury aren’t expecting her to magically replace Bonner’s full production overnight, especially not on this kind of short-term deal. This is a smart, low-risk play for them, a chance to really scout a rookie who just hasn’t had much WNBA floor time yet.
For Poffenbarger, this isn’t just about seven days on the court. This is her ultimate audition, pure and simple. Every single minute she gets, every pass she makes, every shot she takes, every rebound she snags , it’s all a chance to prove she absolutely belongs in this league. Whether it’s earning a longer contract right there in Phoenix or catching the eye of another team across the WNBA, the stakes are ridiculously high for her right now. She’s got to bring it, make every possession count, and show everyone what she’s made of. Let’s see if she can rise to the challenge!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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