The Atlanta Dream just bolstered their squad ahead of the playoffs after they welcomed DeWanna Bonner in a blockbuster trade following her exit from the Phoenix Mercury.
After Bonner’s contract was bought out to allow her to “chase a title in what could be her final postseason,” according to Mercury’s general manager Nick U’Ren, she was then picked up by the Dream and was officially welcomed on Thursday through their Instagram post.
It wasn’t just the fans who got excited by her signing, but also Angel Reese and Skylar Diggins, who can’t wait to share the floor with the 39-year-old veteran, as they liked the post shared by the Dream socials.
Bonner returned to Phoenix on a one-year, $500,000 deal, after an unproductive season with the Indiana Fever. She hoped the Mercury would’ve been competent enough to help her make a championship run with the team that drafted her back in 2009.
However, after their 99-89 loss to the Dream on August 22, it sealed their fate as they were eliminated from playoff contention.
With that, the Mercury allowed Bonner to fight for her third WNBA championship, and with the Dream boasting a strong squad, it could just be the perfect move for the veteran.
“I don’t know what the future holds”: DeWanna Bonner reflects on her time in the WNBA ahead of her move to Atlanta
As she closed her chapter with the Phoenix Mercury, DeWanna Bonner had nothing but gratitude for the team that first trusted her back in 2009.
After her move to Atlanta was announced, the two-time WNBA champion shared in her statement how thankful she is for the opportunity she’s been given by the Mercury organization.
“At this stage of my career, I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m grateful to the Mercury for giving me the opportunity to play in what could be one of my final postseason opportunities,” Bonner said. “The fans, this community, and the Mercury organization have embraced me throughout my career, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Bonner spent 11 seasons with the Mercury, where she delivered two championships in 2009 and 2014.
With the playoffs fast approaching, Bonner is expected to learn the ropes with the Dream real quick as they hope to make a run towards the championship, and give the 39-year-old veteran the perfect retirement gift made out of solid gold.