For the second year in a row, DeWanna Bonner is leaving a team, but not through the official draft window or as part of a trade between two seasons. This situation is highly reminiscent of last year, when the forward played just nine games for the Indiana Fever before getting waived and joining the Phoenix Mercury. Now, shortly after the Phoenix Mercury didn’t qualify for the playoffs, the team announced that they and Bonner had agreed to a buyout. However, one WNBA analyst has claimed that this might be more than a coincidence.
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“If DeWanna immediately ends up on the Aces after the NaLyssa injury, the WNBA need to investigate the tampering around her… Phoenix already admitted to trying to sign her while she was still under contract in Indy a year ago,” Mick of Mick Talks Hoops posted on X.
The Aces are the most obvious option for any player who wants their chances of winning the championship to increase, as head coach Becky Hammon’s side has won the last three of four titles.
However, Mick believes the timing seems way too convenient with Smith injured, and wants the league to take notice if there are, in fact, any behind-the-scenes details involved.
Phoenix Mercury’s general Manager Nick U’Ren didn’t make any effort to hide that they reached the buyout to give DeWanna Bonner a better chance to win her third WNBA title.
“DeWanna has been an important part of our team and brought tremendous leadership, experience, and competitiveness to the Mercury. Because of the relationship we have with DeWanna, we worked out a buyout agreement that allows her to chase a title in what could be her final postseason.”
Last year as well, DeWanna Bonner hoped to win her third championship, as the Mercury were in a much better position, ultimately finishing as runners-up. However, that’s not what Mick is concerned about; it’s the possibility of Bonner now joining the defending champions Las Vegas Aces, just when they’re in dire need of an experienced player following NaLyssa Smith’s knee injury against the Tempo.
As for Bonner herself, she has not made any retirement plans yet. But considering that she is 39, we are seeing the last years of the Mercury great, who issued her own statement and began by thanking the Mercury fans. She acknowledged how her return to the franchise after six years “has been an incredible experience.” She also admitted that she doesn’t “know what the future holds.”
Apart from the Aces, the Atlanta Dream and the New York Liberty are also options for Bonner to possibly end her career on a high note. DeWanna Bonner is still averaging 10.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this season, but her shooting efficiency is less than 40% from the field.
If DeWanna Bonner ends up on the Aces roster, they will receive a player who’s highly experienced and motivated to play some of her best basketball. So if the Aces do end up landing her, you can bet fans and analysts like Mick will take a closer look at the whole pre-postseason buyout saga.