A veteran presence is poised to bolster the Atlanta Dream's championship aspirations as DeWanna Bonner prepares to join the team for the postseason push. The Phoenix Mercury star is expected to sign with Atlanta following the Mercury's decision to buy out her contract, sources report. The move comes at a critical juncture for the Dream, who clinched their fourth consecutive playoff appearance on Saturday with a victory over Bonner's former team.
The timing of the acquisition underscores Atlanta's determination to make a deep playoff run. The Dream eliminated the Mercury from postseason contention, simultaneously securing the roster spot that will allow them to add Bonner's experience and skill set. Last season, Atlanta fell short of championship aspirations when the Indiana Fever ousted them in the opening round. The addition of superstar Angel Reese during the offseason signaled the organization's commitment to contending, and now Bonner represents another significant reinforcement as the team enters the playoffs.
At 6-foot-4, Bonner brings significant dimensions to the Dream's lineup alongside Reese, Rhyne Howard, and Allisha Gray. Her production this season speaks to her continued impact at an elite level. She has averaged 14.3 points, 6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals during the regular campaign. Beyond raw statistics, Bonner offers defensive versatility, capable of guarding multiple positions while also providing floor spacing from beyond the three-point arc. Her ability to score in double figures consistently over more than a decade of professional basketball adds offensive firepower to a team seeking a title.
Perhaps most valuable is Bonner's postseason pedigree. In her 17th professional season, she brings 15 years of playoff experience to Atlanta, having competed in multiple conference finals and won two WNBA championships with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014. For a franchise hungry for their first championship, that championship DNA could prove invaluable during a playoff run.
The Mercury's decision to facilitate Bonner's departure reflects a player-friendly organizational culture. In a statement, Mercury General Manager Nick U'ren acknowledged the significance of allowing Bonner to pursue a final championship opportunity, noting that the organization worked out a buyout agreement given their long-standing relationship. Bonner expressed appreciation for the Mercury's cooperation, understanding that at this stage of her career, championship opportunities may be limited. Her agent Mike Cound reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing that no animosity exists between player and organization.
Several other playoff contenders reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Bonner. The Las Vegas Aces had pursued the veteran but lacked sufficient salary cap flexibility without a hardship exception. The New York Liberty also showed interest in bringing her aboard. Ultimately, Atlanta proved most attractive as a destination, suggesting that the Dream's roster composition and championship trajectory resonated most strongly.
Bonner's recent comments during an ESPN docuseries hinted that she was contemplating the end of her career, raising questions about her playing future beyond this season. The opportunity to chase a title with Atlanta, potentially her final postseason opportunity, appears to have motivated the signing.
The Dream are expected to formally announce the acquisition soon, with details regarding Bonner's debut timeline forthcoming. Her arrival represents a calculated playoff gambit by a franchise determined to transform their regular season success into postseason glory.
Source: NewsOne | Published: Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:25:21
Image: Photo by T on Unsplash
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