Mercury Buy Out DeWanna Bonner: Franchise Icon’s Phoenix Era Ends
DeWanna Bonner and the Phoenix Mercury Agree to Part Ways: A Simple Breakdown
What Happened?
On August 24, 2026, the Phoenix Mercury and veteran star DeWanna Bonner officially agreed to a contract buyout. Think of this like a mutual "see you later" where both sides agree to end the contract early so Bonner can join another team.
Important Point: A contract buyout means the team pays the player a portion of their remaining salary, and in return, the player becomes a free agent—free to sign with any other team.
Why Did This Happen?
Here’s the simple version of the story:
- The Mercury’s season ended early. The team had a record of 13 wins and 24 losses. They were officially eliminated from playoff contention on August 22.
- Bonner wants one more shot at a championship. At 39 years old, this might be her final season. She wants to play meaningful games in the postseason.
- The Mercury respected her legacy. Because Bonner has been such a great leader and player, the front office worked with her to find a solution that helped her career, even though it meant losing a good player for their team.
Who is DeWanna Bonner?
Bonner isn’t just any player—she is a living legend in the WNBA. Here are the mind-blowing numbers she put up just this season (37 games, 26 starts):
- 10.6 points per game
- 6.1 rebounds per game
- A steady, reliable presence in the frontcourt (the area near the basket).
But her career numbers are what put her in the history books:
| Historic Milestone | What It Means (ELI5) |
|---|---|
| 3rd player ever with 8,000+ career points | Only two other women in the league’s entire history have scored this many points. |
| 2nd all-time in games played | She has suited up for more games than almost anyone ever. Talk about durability! |
| Winningest player in WNBA history (379 wins) | She has been on the winning side more times than any other player in regular season + playoffs combined. |
What Did They Say?
From the Mercury (General Manager Nick U’Ren)
"DeWanna has been an important part of our team and brought tremendous leadership, experience and competitiveness… 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. DeWanna will always be part of the Mercury family."
From DeWanna Bonner
"Being able to return to Phoenix and play in front of the best fans in the WNBA these past two seasons has been an incredible experience… 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. The fans, this community and the Mercury organization have embraced me throughout my career, and I’ll always be grateful for that."
Important Point: This wasn’t a messy breakup. It was a classy, respectful decision by both sides. The Mercury prioritized Bonner’s chance to win a ring over keeping her on a non-playoff roster.
What Happens Next?
Since Bonner is now a free agent, she can sign with any team that has roster space and salary cap room.
The most likely scenario: She joins a playoff-contending team (a team likely to make the postseason) that needs veteran leadership, scoring, and rebounding off the bench or as a starter.
Teams will want her because:
- She still produces (10.6 PPG / 6.1 RPG).
- She has championship experience (she’s won before).
- She is a locker room leader who teaches younger players how to be pros.
Summary
- Date: August 24, 2026.
- Event: Phoenix Mercury and DeWanna Bonner agree to a contract buyout.
- Reason: Mercury eliminated from playoffs (13-24); Bonner (39) wants a final playoff run.
- Legacy: Bonner leaves as an all-time great (8,000+ pts, 2nd in games played, most wins ever).
- Vibe: Mutual respect, gratitude, and a "Merry Christmas" style gift from the Mercury to a franchise icon.
- Next Step: Bonner signs with a contender to chase a championship.
FAQ
1. What exactly is a "contract buyout" in the WNBA?
It’s an agreement where the team and player decide to end the contract early. The team usually pays the player a negotiated amount (often less than the full remaining salary), and the player becomes a free agent immediately, allowed to sign with any other team.
2. Why would the Mercury let a good player go for free?
The Mercury knew they weren’t making the playoffs this year. Keeping Bonner on the roster wouldn’t help them win a title this season. By buying her out, they did a favor for a franchise legend, earning massive respect around the league for treating a star player with class.
3. Can Bonner join any team now?
Yes, but there are limits. She can only sign with a team that has:
- An open roster spot (teams max out at 12 players).
- Enough salary cap space to fit her new contract.
- She must clear waivers (a 48-hour window where other teams could claim her old contract, but usually, teams let veterans like her pass through to negotiate a new deal).
4. Is DeWanna Bonner retiring after this?
She hasn’t officially announced retirement. She said, "I don’t know what the future holds" and referenced "what could be one of my final postseason opportunities." This strongly suggests 2026 might be her last ride, but she hasn’t closed the door on 2027 yet.
5. How good was Bonner really this year?
For a 39-year-old? Incredible. Averaging a double-double-ish line (10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds) on a struggling team shows she still has high-level skills. But her value to a contender goes beyond stats—it’s the "been there, done that" calmness she brings in high-pressure playoff moments.