Back in Phoenix, DeWanna Bonner wouldn't change 'journey' - ESPN

NEW YORK — DeWanna Bonner is happy to be back home in Phoenix.

The veteran spent the first 10 years of her career with the Mercury before leaving for the Connecticut Sun for five years and then a brief stint with the Indiana Fever to start the 2025 season. When that didn't work out, she signed with Phoenix earlier this month.

«I wouldn't do anything differently. I think my journey is my journey, and I'm going to accept that,» Bonner said. «It carried me to where I am now in Phoenix, and it happened that way for a reason.»

The 37-year-old wing was focused on her future with Phoenix more than dwelling on the past or what went wrong in Indiana that ended with the team releasing her.

She did find the narrative that she was disgruntled to come off the bench amusing after starting the first few games for the Fever. In the opener, she moved into third on the WNBA career scoring list.

«That wasn't ever the issue. That's never been me,» said Bonner, who has won the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award three times. «I have no problems coming off the bench. I have never been that player. I don't feel like I have that reputation.»

Phoenix began a five-game road trip in New York on Friday night and lost 89-76. Bonner had nine points.

«DB is a really good addition for us. She can play the 2, the 3 and 4 and maybe even some 5, depending on different lineups that, we'll look at starting here, moving forward,» Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts said. «She's won championships. You know, her second game with us, we go on to Golden State, have some injuries and she goes for 22 and 11. You know, we're not winning that game without her, so she's been a huge pickup for us.»

The Mercury will head to Indiana on Wednesday, and Bonner said she wasn't sure