DeWanna Bonner Signs With Atlanta Dream After Mercury Buyout

DeWanna Bonner joined the Atlanta Dream after a contract buyout with the Phoenix Mercury, ESPN reported on Wednesday. The addition brings a two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star to a Dream roster seeking a franchise first title run after the team’s 25-13 standings start.

Atlanta’s contract terms for Bonner were not disclosed, according to ESPN. The Dream were listed as fourth in the standings at 25-13 when the signing was reported, while Phoenix was eliminated from playoff contention after a 99-89 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, CBS Sports reported.

ESPN said Bonner averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals this season and started 26 of 37 games for the Mercury. She was drafted in 2009 by Phoenix and spent the majority of a 17-season career there, before stints that included five seasons in Connecticut and nine games in Indiana last season, where she was waived before returning to Phoenix, according to ESPN.

Bonner, 39 and described by ESPN as the second-oldest player in the league, pursued a buyout from Phoenix after the Mercury were out of the postseason picture. ESPN reported she cleared waivers Wednesday evening and became a free agent.

The Phoenix Mercury general manager Nick U'Ren said the buyout reflected their relationship with Bonner and aimed to give her a chance to chase a title in what could be her final postseason.

"Because of the relationship we have with DeWanna, we worked out a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason." said Nick U'Ren, general manager, Phoenix Mercury.

ESPN reported U'Ren made the comment in a statement Monday. The New York Times also said the Mercury reached the buyout agreement Monday and described it as time served, with a one-year unprotected contract worth $500,000, which would affect salary availability and waiver eligibility, according to both ESPN and The New York Times.

Bonner also addressed the move and her outlook after clearing waivers.

"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." Bonner said.

ESPN reported Bonner expected to come off the bench for Atlanta. CBS Sports said the deadline for player playoff eligibility from waivers was Monday, making Bonner eligible to play in the postseason with another team after being waived, and also described Atlanta as having the cap space to sign her, while noting the Dream’s need for depth.

Bleacher Report, citing ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, reported Bonner signed with Dream as a free agent on Wednesday for a deal worth $116,000, and listed Atlanta as the fourth seed at 25-13 in the playoff positioning table.