DeWanna Bonner’s return to Phoenix has ended with a buyout, opening the door for the veteran forward to become a free agent and, if she clears waivers, choose her next team.
The move comes only days after the Mercury were officially knocked out of WNBA playoff contention. Phoenix and Bonner reached the agreement after a season in which she had been a steady presence in the rotation and, by the team’s own description, a major voice in the locker room.
“DeWanna has been an important part of our team and brought tremendous leadership, experience and competitiveness to the Mercury,” Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement.
“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.”
Bonner, a six-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA champion, had recently come back to the franchise that drafted her in 2009. She helped Phoenix reach the WNBA Finals last season.
This year, the 39-year-old has averaged 10.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while starting 26 of 37 games. Her final appearance with the Mercury may have come in Saturday’s 99-89 loss to Atlanta, when she finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Before her WNBA career, Bonner built her name in Alabama. She grew up in the Birmingham area, starred at Fairfield High School and was a McDonald’s All-American in 2005. She then played at Auburn from 2005-09, earning three All-SEC selections, first-team All-America honors and SEC Player of the Year recognition as a senior.
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