After two championships with the team, DeWanna Bonner’s storied career with the Phoenix Mercury has come to an end. But according to head coach Nate Tibbetts, he wasn’t caught off guard. Following the veteran forward’s buyout, the coach addressed the situation, as well as his level of awareness, during a press conference.

The Mercury head coach explained to reporters that though he was made aware of the decision before it happened, he wasn’t part of the whole process, and that’s what he prefers, according to a clip posted to X by reporter Hayden Cilley.

“I think that our front office and ownership group does a really good job of letting me know when things are getting real. I’ve got a job to coach the team. Everything kind of started to heat up a little bit yesterday. I’m in the loop, but not really in the loop with some things, and that’s how I like it.”

News of the contract buyout came on August 24, when it was revealed that Bonner and Phoenix had mutually agreed to part ways before the season ended. Players waived before the Monday deadline are still eligible to play for another team in the 2026 WNBA playoffs. The decision to part ways with Bonner was reportedly made to allow her to contribute on a playoff team, since the Mercury have been eliminated from playoff contention. Tibbetts explained the move and its effects on the organization during the same press conference.

“This was done out of respect for DB. This is an opportunity for her to chase the title in possibly her last season,” he told Cilley.

“Everything happened on great terms, and she’s always gonna be part of the Mercury organization… The crazy and fun thing is, as a coach, every day is different. It was different this morning telling my staff that this was going to happen. It was probably different for our team finding out this morning. But this is part of professional sports; it’s change, and we’ve been through a lot.”

Phoenix GM Nick U’ren expressed a similar sentiment on why the team agreed to part ways, per an X post by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.

“We worked out a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason.”

Bonner was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 WNBA draft and remained with the team for 10 seasons. She then rejoined the Mercury after the 2024 season, leading them to the WNBA finals that season, before a loss to the Las Vegas Aces in a four-game sweep.

For now, Bonner still has to clear waivers, after which she will become eligible to sign with any team that has a roster spot and cap space to sign her. The six-time All-Star is one of the league’s most experienced veterans, and the buyout could give her a real shot at winning her third WNBA championship.

DeWanna Bonner Bids Farewell to Phoenix as WNBA Contenders Eye Veteran Star

After her buyout with the Phoenix Mercury, DeWanna Bonner posted a lengthy statement reflecting on her second stint with the team, where she highlighted just how much of an honor it has been to play for the team and in front of its fans.

“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,” Bonner said in a post on X from reporter Madeline Kennedy.

“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. Being part of this franchise has given me so many incredible memories, and Phoenix will always be a special part of my career.”

Notably, as was made clear by both Tibbetts and U’ren, there are no hard feelings between the two sides, and even her agent, Mike Cound, reiterated this fact to reporter Kareem Copeland, praising how Phoenix handled the “special circumstance” and that they were a “very player-friendly organization.”

Now, all that’s left to see is which team makes a move for the 17-season WNBA vet. Her championship experience could make her an appealing addition for a contender looking for veteran depth ahead of the postseason. The New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, and Dallas Wings all have enough cap space to sign her and are all looking for the last piece to push them over the edge.

With the buyout now official, Tibbetts and Phoenix have to move on without one of the most experienced players, and with the playoffs not in play, they have only next season to look forward to.