WNBA veteran DeWanna Bonner has agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Mercury, giving the six-time All-Star a chance to compete for a championship in what could potentially be her last season in the league. The question now is where could the 39-year-old finish her accomplished career?
Bonner already won two titles in 2009 and 2014, both with Phoenix. Besides four years with Connecticut and part of a season with the Fever, she has mostly been part of the Mercury. In her 17th WNBA season, the 6-foot-4 wing is averaging 10.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. She is a versatile, dynamic scorer and an elite rebounder, ranking in the top five for most career rebounds in league history.
The timing of the buyout was not by chance. The Mercury (13-24) have officially been eliminated from the playoffs, so this gives her a chance to go out on top if she is planning to retire after this season.
"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 Phoenix General Manager Nick U'ren in an official statement. "DeWanna will always be part of the Mercury family, and we wish her all the best."
Here are the top three landing spots for Bonner:
Las Vegas Aces
After starting forward NaLyssa Smith suffered a non-contact left knee injury against Toronto on Sunday, Bonner's availability seems like perfect timing. While we don't have an update on the seriousness of Smith's injury yet, there is no doubt Bonner could help the reigning champion Aces during the last stretch of the regular season -- especially since depth has been an issue after the departure of Chennedy Carter.
The fit makes a lot of sense, but there is a very big "if." Las Vegas does not currently have the cap space and would need to get a hardship exception.
Atlanta Dream
This is another team that needs the depth, as the Dream are averaging the second-fewest bench points per game (17.4) in the league this season, per Statmuse. Bonner is a versatile player with veteran leadership who would give Atlanta more options at the wing.
The Dream (24-13) sit fourth in the WNBA standings, just one game behind the Aces whom they beat last week. Atlanta is a championship contender, especially with Angel Reese playing some of the best basketball of her career. Also of importance: the Dream do have the cap space to sign Bonner.
New York Liberty
This is a tricky one because although the Liberty (23-15, sixth in the WNBA) looked talented on paper at the beginning of the season, it's questionable whether they are a serious championship contender. Perhaps Bonner could help them turn things around as the postseason approaches.
New York does have the cap space, and it makes sense to add depth to the front court while forward Satou Sabally is away indefinitely due to lingering symptoms from a concussion.
Honorable mentions
- The Dallas Wings have cap space and could use reinforcements after losing rookie star Azzi Fudd, who was one of the top defensive pieces for the team. However, they've had some rough stretches recently and are a championship longshot.
- The Minnesota Lynx are currently the top seed, and Bonner would give them another lengthy wing. But they do not have the cap space
