WNBA veteran DeWanna Bonner is making a surprising return to the Phoenix Mercury! After a brief and seemingly unsuccessful stint with the Indiana Fever, Bonner has signed with the Mercury as a free agent, reuniting with the team that drafted her and where she spent the first ten years of her illustrious career.
According to reports, Bonner felt she wasn't a good fit with the Fever's style of play and requested a trade early in the season. The Fever ultimately waived Bonner after failing to find a suitable trade partner due to her contract. She played only nine games for Indiana, averaging 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds.
"I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise," Bonner said in a release after being waived. "Despite our shared goals and excitement heading into the season, I felt the fit did not work out and I appreciate the organization’s willingness to grant my request to move on, particularly at this point in my career."
Now, Bonner is back where it all began. Drafted by the Mercury in 2009, she won two WNBA championships and was a three-time Sixth Player of the Year during her previous tenure in Phoenix. The move also reunites her with her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas, who plays for the Mercury. This adds another layer of excitement to Bonner's return.
"We couldn’t be more excited to have DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform,” said Mercury GM Nick U’Ren. “She is a true winner, leader and one of the most talented and versatile players in our game. Her high basketball IQ, shooting range, athleticism and ability to play and defend multiple positions is going to be a great addition to what are we building here in Phoenix.”
What does this mean for the Mercury? Bonner brings a wealth of experience, scoring ability, and defensive versatility to a team looking to contend for another championship. Her return is a significant boost for Phoenix and a potential game-changer in the WNBA landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- DeWanna Bonner signs with Phoenix Mercury after being waived by Indiana Fever.
- Bonner felt she wasn't a good fit with the Fever's playing style.
- She returns to the team where she won two championships and was a three-time Sixth Player of the Year.
- Bonner's return is a major boost for the Mercury's championship aspirations.