The Phoenix Mercury announced a rather unconventional move on Monday when they decided, by mutual consent, to part ways with veteran forward DeWanna Bonner. Mercury announced that they agreed to a contract buyout with Bonner, but sources are now indicating that this story may have another twist.

“Source confirms that DeWanna Bonner’s buyout with the Phoenix Mercury is for $451,220. Essentially, her 500k contract is prorated for time in Phoenix. If claimed off waivers, the new team would take on the $500k; the buyout disappears. If not, she becomes an unrestricted free agent,” reported WNBA reporter Richard Cohen in a post on X on August 25.

As things stand, if any team agrees to take on Bonner, they will have to also take on the complete annual value of the deal Bonner signed with the Mercury – $500,00. This will remove the buyout payment, as the new team is taking on the contract weight. Bonner will enter free agency only if she is not recruited by any other team. Teams have only 48 hours to claim DeWanna Bonner, following which she will become an unrestricted free agent, open to negotiations.

Mercury and DeWanna Bonner reached a buyout agreement on August 24, when Mercury GM indicated that they want Bonner to be free to pursue teams with playoff contention, something that Mercury has been unable to do this season, as they have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

“DeWanna has been an important part of our team and brought tremendous leadership, experience, and competitiveness to the Mercury,” Mercury GM Nick U’Ren said in a statement, per USA Today.

“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, and we wish her all the best.”

As things stand, Mercury cannot mathematically make the playoffs after their 89-99 loss against the Atlanta Dream. They have been removed from playoff contention. The decision to part ways with the Mercury came to give Bonner an opportunity to be picked up by another team, allowing her a title charge for what could be her final season.

The 39-year-old Bonner, who is in her 17th season in the WNBA, will look to spend perhaps her last postseason with a team that can utilize her experience and her solid presence in the paint. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the Mercury franchise and its fanbase.

“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 statement after the news came to light.

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

DeWanna Bonner was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury with the fifth overall pick back in 2009 and remained with the team for 10 seasons. After five seasons with other teams, Bonner re-signed with the Mercury ahead of the 2026 season. In 37 games with the Phoenix this season, she averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 39.4% from the field and 26.2% from beyond the arc.

The six-time All-Star is widely regarded as one of the greatest small forwards in WNBA history. She just surpassed 8000 career points earlier this season, becoming only the third player in WNBA history to do so, after Diana Taurasi and Tina Charles. She has put up 14.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over her storied and successful career, across 572 regular-season games.

Bonner leaves Phoenix, leaving a rich legacy, having earned two titles in 2009 and 2014. She has also spent five years with the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun when she was away from the Mercury. Several teams remain in contention to sign Bonner as we approach the postseason.

Which Teams Are in Contention to Make a Move for DeWanna Bonner?

DeWanna Bonner, with her rich experience, remains a lucrative option for any team looking for depth in the frontcourt and coverage in the paint.

The New York Liberty remain a viable choice in this regard. Satou Sabally’s status is still not confirmed. While reports have mentioned that she may still return before the end of the season, the Liberty would look to bolster their ranks, as their squad is dangerously stretched thin and could leave them exposed in the playoffs.

However, Liberty only has roughly $457,465 in open salary cap space, per Spotrac. They will need to be cautious while signing Bonner.

Atlanta Dream also remains a strong choice. Atlanta can look to add depth for Angel Reese, as she contributes an overwhelming share of the Dream’s rebounding and interior scoring. Atlanta also struggled to find consistent bench players to take off the load from their starters. Bonner’s last two games saw her contribute a total of 35 points, which could further bolster the Dream’s offense.

The Las Vegas Aces may be a dark horse to sign Bonner. Forward NaLyssa Smith has suffered a severe, non-contact left knee injury in the game against the Tempo. Bonner serves as the ultimate plug-and-play replacement to prevent a gap in their frontcourt rotation. Chennedy Carter’s departure has left the Aces in need of more coverage in the frontcourt. Nothing Bonner can’t handle.

With all these four teams still in playoff contention, joining them could provide Bonner with a legitimate opportunity to make a title charge as the season moves closer to the playoffs. Only time will tell whether Bonner ends up as a free agent or another team snaps her up.