DeWanna Bonner is officially heading to the Atlanta Dream for the rest of the 2026 season and the playoffs, a blockbuster move that just shook up the WNBA. This 17-year veteran is making her last run at a title, and the Dream are giving her that shot.
The High Price of Letting a Legend Go
Can you believe it? The Phoenix Mercury, Bonner’s team for most of her storied career, just let her walk after they got knocked out of the playoffs on August 22. They lost 99-89 to, get this, the *Dream*. Just two days later, the six-time All-Star agreed to a buyout. GM Nick U’ren said they wanted to give her a chance to end her career on a high note because of her relationship with the franchise. That’s a classy move, sure, but it means they let a two-time champion, who is third in career points and fifth in career rebounds in league history, become a free agent for a rival. Bonner cleared waivers Wednesday night and now she is officially chasing that final ring with Atlanta.
Dream’s Bench Gets a Major Boost, Just When They Needed It
The Dream, sitting pretty at 25-13 and fourth in the league with a playoff berth already locked up, just got a huge shot in the arm. Star forward Angel Reese is playing the best basketball of her career, but the Dream are still chasing their first title despite three Finals appearances. Bonner, a 6-foot-4 wing, brings that championship pedigree and can contribute on both ends of the court. She is still dropping 10.6 points and grabbing 6.1 rebounds per contest. And talk about depth! Atlanta’s bench has been a weak spot, averaging just 17.2 points per game, the second-fewest in the league. With four-time All-Star Brionna Jones out since August 13 with a left leg injury, she has only played five games this season after offseason right meniscus surgery, and her status is unclear, Bonner’s addition is HUGE. She even won Sixth Woman of the Year three times early in her career. That kind of experience and production off the bench is exactly what a championship contender needs.
Bonner’s already got the record for most playoff games played in WNBA history with 98. While she won’t break Sue Bird’s regular season games record this year with just six games left, she is absolutely primed for another deep playoff run. ESPN reports her salary is a prorated max contract, about $116,000. That’s a steal for the experience and drive she brings. The Dream tip off next against the Portland Fi on Friday, August 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET in Atlanta. Every game from here on out is about building that chemistry and momentum for a championship push. Can Bonner push them over the top? We are about to find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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