Six-time WNBA All-Star DeWanna Bonner is predicted to signal with the Phoenix Mercury, in accordance with ESPN’s Michael Voepel and Josh Weinfuss. The transfer comes after the Indiana Fever final month waived the 16-year WNBA veteran in a transfer Bonner requested.
An settlement between Bonner and the Mercury is predicted to formally come to fruition “within the coming days,” per ESPN. Bonner spent the primary 10 seasons of her profession in Phoenix and received two WNBA championships.
Bonner hit the open market June 25 when the Fever parted methods together with her. She missed the ultimate two weeks of her tenure for private causes, and it was unclear if or when she deliberate to rejoin the crew. She reportedly contemplated retirement throughout her time away from the court docket however is ready to now full no less than another 12 months within the WNBA. At age 37, Bonner would be the league’s second-oldest lively participant when she rejoins an lively roster, behind solely Seattle’s Alysha Clark.
“I wish to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the chance to be a part of the Fever franchise,” Bonner said after her Indiana exit. “Regardless of our shared targets and pleasure heading into the season, I felt the match didn’t work out and I recognize the group’s willingness to grant my request to maneuver on, notably at this level in my profession. I want the Fever nice success as they proceed to construct round this dynamic group of younger gamers.”
DeWanna Bonner waived by Fever: What to know as veteran all-star looks for new team after stint with Indiana
Jack Maloney
Bonner, who’s third all-time in WNBA historical past in scoring, was anticipated to be a key addition for an ascending Fever crew constructed round Caitlin Clark, however she by no means fairly discovered her footing in Indiana. Earlier than her departure, she averaged simply 7.1 factors per sport whereas taking pictures a career-worst 34.5% from the sphere. The Fever pulled Bonner out of the beginning lineup three video games into the 12 months.
In Bonner, the Mercury are including probably the most skilled participant in WNBA playoff historical past. Bonner is the league’s all-time chief with 87 postseason appearances. That may very well be a serious asset to a Phoenix squad that’s presently 12-6, tied with the New York Liberty for the second-best file within the league.
Along with her six All-Star alternatives, Bonner received the Sixth Lady of the Yr award in her first three years as a professional, acquired MVP votes in six completely different seasons and logged a pair of All-WNBA alternatives — a first-team nod in 2015 and a second-team choose in 2020.
The main points of Bonner’s potential contract with the Mercury are unknown, however she was set to make just below the utmost annual wage this season in Indiana. The Fever signed the six-time All-Star to a one-year, $200,000 deal after she reached free company on the heels of a five-season stint with the Connecticut Sun