After a brief and unsettled stint with the Indiana Fever, WNBA veteran DeWanna Bonner is reportedly on track to return to a team she once called home. Bonner, who had signed with the Fever during the offseason, was recently released after only a handful of games. Her exit followed a trade request driven by a mismatch between her expectations and the team’s environment. Sources suggest she never quite felt aligned with the Fever’s current trajectory, prompting her desire to explore other opportunities.
Shortly after her release, a report by Front Office Sports hinted at her likely destination. According to unnamed insiders, teams across the league were being advised not to pursue Bonner, as her clear preference was to return to the Phoenix Mercury. This is more than a professional decision—it’s also personal. Phoenix is not just where she built the foundation of her WNBA career, but it’s also the team where her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas, now plays. The stars seem to be aligning for a reunion that’s both emotionally and strategically significant.
Bonner’s connection to the Mercury runs deep. Drafted by Phoenix in 2009, she spent her first ten seasons there, winning two WNBA championships and becoming a cornerstone of the franchise. According to ESPN’s Michael Voepel, sources have indicated that Bonner is expected to sign with the Mercury in the coming days, although the deal isn’t official yet. Voepel noted this development in a social media post that quickly fueled speculation among fans and analysts alike.
Should the move materialize, Bonner would be joining a revitalized Mercury squad off to an impressive 12–6 start this season. This strong performance is especially notable given the offseason departures of two iconic figures—Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Bonner’s experience and scoring ability could provide the Mercury with an additional boost as they look to cement their status as serious contenders.
All eyes will be on July 30, when the Mercury are scheduled to face the Indiana Fever. If Bonner has indeed signed by then, it could be a poignant matchup filled with layered narratives—facing her former team in a new chapter with a familiar franchise. For now, fans await the official announcement, anticipating the next steps in Bonner’s already storied career.
