Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Dream, straight off a contract buyout from the Phoenix Mercury earlier this week. This isn’t just a regular signing, folks; it is a serious power move that shakes up the WNBA playoff picture, giving the Dream a massive boost as they gear up for a title push.
Phoenix general manager Nick U’Ren released a statement discussing the move, and it shows some serious class. U’Ren talked about how this buyout was out of respect for the 17-year veteran. He said they “worked out a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason.” How cool is that? U’Ren made it clear Bonner will “always be part of the Mercury family,” wishing her all the best. You gotta hand it to the Mercury for letting a legend chase that ring, showing respect to a player who’s given so much to the game.
Bonner brings a ridiculous depth of experience to the Dream roster. This isn’t some rookie trying to find her footing; this is a player who has seen it all, done it all. She was drafted by the Mercury as the fifth overall pick way back in the 2009 WNBA Draft, spending the first 11 years of her career rocking it in Phoenix. After stints with the Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever, she made her return to Phoenix in 2025. We are talking about someone who has played in 572 career games, averaging a solid 14.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game throughout her illustrious career. That kind of veteran presence? You cannot put a price on it when the stakes are this high.
The Dream aren’t just chilling, either. They are 25-13 at the time of this signing and have already punched their ticket to the postseason, currently sitting as the 4th seed in the playoff picture. They have had a really balanced attack this season, led by guards Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, plus star forward Angel Reese, who has been an absolute force. The big question now is how head coach Karl Smesko brings Bonner into the fold with only six regular-season games left. Does he immediately slot her into the starting lineup alongside Reese and form an absolute nightmare frontcourt? Or does she become that instant-impact bench player, giving Reese or fellow forward Naz Hillman a crucial breather without missing a beat?
This team is on fire, riding a four-game win streak right now. Bonner could make her debut as soon as Friday night at home against the Portland Fire, if Smesko believes she is ready to roll. What a time to be a Dream fan, watching this squad gear up for what could be a deep run!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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