Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream received some big news on Wednesday. This is after ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported that the Dream are signing six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner.
Bonner agreed to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Mercury on Monday after the team was officially eliminated from playoff contention. The 39-year-old was looking to sign with a title contender, with the hopes of winning her third career WNBA championship in what could be her final season.
The Dream gives her just that. Reese and Co. are currently fourth in the standings with a 25-13 record. They are just 1.5 games behind the Golden State Valkyries for the No. 2 seed heading into the WNBA playoffs.
Reese took to social media to share her reaction to this major development. She had no words, opting for a single emoji to express her excitement.
Reese is in the midst of a historic stretch in her third season in the WNBA. She was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Tuesday after averaging 24.0 points, 11.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists across three straight wins.
The Dream made it four consecutive road victories on Monday by defeating the Los Angeles Sparks, 78-71. Reese made even more history by setting a new all-time WNBA record for most rebounds in a single game with 27.
As for Bonner, her arrival gives Atlanta considerable depth in the frontcourt, which is currently led by Reese, Naz Hillmon and the injured Brionna Jones. Bonner gives head coach Karl Smesko a potential starter or a key player off the bench.
Bonner made 37 appearances for the Mercury this season, including 26 starts. The two-time All-WNBA forward-guard averaged 10.6 points on 39.4% shooting, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 triples in 27.6 minutes per contest.
Bonner could potentially make her Dream debut on Friday when they host the Portland Fire at home. Tipoff from Gateway Center Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
