DeWanna Bonner is considered to be one of the best players in WNBA history. The 17-year veteran is currently third on the all-time leading scorers list. She is also eighth all-time in career rebounds.
Bonner holds career averages of 14.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals. She has played for the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun. The six-time WNBA All-Star helped the Mercury win two WNBA Championships.
However, Phoenix has struggled this season. They are out of playoff contention with a 13-24 record. On Monday, news broke that Bonner and the Mercury had agreed to a contract buyout.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts addressed the major development.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for [Bonner],” Tibbets said. “This is an opportunity for her to chase a title in possibly her last season.
“Everything happened on great terms. She’s always gonna be part of the Mercury organization.”
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Bonner has played a total of 12 seasons with the Mercury in two separate stints. She was named the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year in her first three seasons with Phoenix.
“She’s about winning,” said Tibbets. “She’s about trying to add another ring to her journey.
“I’m excited to see where she ends up. There are some teams out there that definitely she could help.”
The 39-year-old forward will now look to secure a new deal with a contending team that has space on its roster.
Meanwhile, the Mercury have seven games left in the regular season. They return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup against the Washington Mystics.
