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The Phoenix Mercury and six-time WNBA All-Star DeWanna Bonner have agreed to a contract buyout, the team announced Monday, giving the veteran forward an opportunity to pursue a playoff run elsewhere.
The agreement places Bonner on the waiver wire. If she goes unclaimed, the 39-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team. With her 17th WNBA season nearing its end, Bonner has made it clear that competing in the postseason is a priority.
Mercury general manager Nick U'Ren said the organization wanted to give Bonner the chance to pursue another championship.
"DeWanna has been an important part of our team and brought tremendous leadership, experience and competitiveness to the Mercury," U'Ren said. He added that the buyout allows her to "chase a title" during what could be her final postseason.
Bonner's agent, Mike Cound, said the decision was not driven by problems between the player and Phoenix. Instead, he praised Mercury for working with Bonner during a unique point in her career.
"They were great," Cound told ESPN, adding that Phoenix was a "very player-friendly organization" and that Bonner was grateful for the team's willingness to accommodate her.
Bonner spent the first 10 seasons of her career with Phoenix, winning two championships while earning three All-Star selections and three Sixth Player of the Year awards. She later spent five seasons with the Connecticut Sun before joining the Indiana Fever in 2025.
Her time in Indiana lasted less than a season before she returned to Phoenix. Bonner helped the Mercury reach the WNBA Finals last season, although they were swept by the Las Vegas Aces.
The 2009 No. 5 overall draft pick has also earned two All-WNBA selections, an All-Defensive Team honor in 2015 and a spot on the All-Rookie Team in 2009.
This season, Phoenix has struggled to find consistency. The Mercury are 13-24 and have been eliminated from playoff contention. Bonner has averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals while starting 26 of 37 games.
Despite the team's struggles, Bonner continues to rank among the WNBA's all-time statistical leaders. She is third in career points and became only the third player in league history to reach 8,000 points.
Bonner also ranks fifth in career rebounds, sixth in steals, 10th in three-pointers, third in minutes played and 20th in blocks.
Reflecting on her future, Bonner expressed gratitude to Phoenix while acknowledging that her career may be nearing its conclusion.
"At this stage of my career, I don't know what the future holds," she said, while thanking the Mercury organization, fans and community for their support throughout her career.
